Today has been a read work day. I did work both stores in the morning and stop to see Mike P; we ended up talking about how you could KNOW you were going to heaven! Sweet! But the real work came in the afternoon. Thankfully it was a beautiful day to be outside!

I was going through my jackets (I had way too many) when Diane and Shannon stopped. Shannon had something for me – she bought me a blue Snoopy trivet for hot dishes! I love it! I used it for my soup bowl at lunch time after they left. And I was able to give the bag of coats to Di because her church has an outlet for clothes. All good!

While I was waiting on Autmn, I cut the grass. The weather will not accommodate that for the next few days so it was perfect. I totally emptied everything out of the shed and was ready to pick her up just as I finished. Once we started working together, we got the place swept out, the shelves wiped off, some boxes sorted through, empty totes stacked. Got all Kelly’s totes and boxes organized and moved her bookcase to the back corner. Everything is neat and categorized and accessible. Autmn was a huge help! I decided to not keep the huge stack of old kitchen floor laminate planks, so Autmn and I carried them all up the hill and stacked them on the driveway out of the way. It took about 20 trips! My cousin is coming to pick them up within the week and will take them to the dumpster. I don’t think my trash people will take them unless I bundle them securely in small piles. NOT on my list to do!

We had a baby bunny watching us work. My yard seems to be overrun with rabbits of all sizes. I think the tiny ones are cute!

But it’s after 9pm and I still need to grab food – so off I go to finish my evening chores!

May 5 – Did your mother ever make a special gift for you? “A hankie box. She covered a ‘cake flour’ box with white satin. She cut the upper part off the box, leaving part to form a lid. She made pink crochet chains with a button hole loop on the end. Put 2 tiny pearl buttons to fasten the lid shut. I loved it.” That sounds so cute and special. Wish I could have seen it!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Jamaica – suggested by Christina. It’s on her bucket list! The picture posted was bamboo rafting. Here are a few other sites in Jamaica:

Calendar inspiration – The destination isn’t nearly as important as the togetherness you share along the way.

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TOMORROW May 6th is:

• National Beverage Day
• National Crepe Suzette Day
• National Nurses Day
• National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• National Provider Appreciation Day 
• National Space Day
• School Lunch Hero Day 

About the only thing that makes sense for me is beverage day. I’ll have hot tea, water, and Diet Pepsi! Thank you very much. Have a happy Friday. God bless…

May the 4th be with you! Star Wars day. Hope it met with your expectations!

Even though it was cloudy all day, it was far warmer in the morning than it is now at 7pm. I went out to take the garbage up, pick up twigs in the yard, and sweep the decks, and it was very chilly. I’m glad my chores were mostly inside today.

I was cleaning downstairs and kept seeing movement outside my basement door. I went over and looked out, and a rabbit was playing on the bottom deck. Finally it decided to nibble on my flowers on the hill – he looks content in my garden!

Other than that, nothing exciting. Handled a few phone calls and emails, had Cheerios for lunch, and spent some time reading. Fiona Baker added me to her ARC team – so now I’m pressing to finish the book as soon as possible so I can post reviews!

May 4 – Were you ever bitten by a dog? “No. Just when the puppies would nip at me when I played with them.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Montana, as May 3rd was National Montana Day. The photo posted was White Horse Island State Park. Here are a few other Montana sites:

Calendar Inspiration – Enjoy working on the projects that you love.

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TOMORROW May 5th is:

• Cinco de Mayo
• National Astronaut Day
• National Cartoonists Day
• National Hoagie Day
• National Silence the Shame Day
• National Totally Chipotle Day
• National Day of Prayer – First Thursday in May
• National Day of Reason – First Thursday in May
• World Password Day 

Of course, out of all cartoonists, I vote for Charles Schulz! Tomorrow is also a day to focus on prayer. And don’t forget your passwords! God bless…

Well, let me recap my day. I really don’t have photos to share, as I was so vested in my projects that I didn’t take any pictures.

After a breakfast on the run, I went to Pinnacle/ Jeannette. Had a few titles to do there, then Rege and I had one of our serious ‘life’ discussions. We do that fairly often.

From there, I went to Greensburg; several titles there as well. Di txt me about stopping over as she needed an ‘ear’ to listen! I grabbed some groceries on the way home, then she came with a frozen pizza. We spent two hours visiting and eating and being ‘ears’ for each other!

When she left, I gathered up my notes and the laundered totes of tablecloths and napkins from Saturday’s tea, and headed to Hanna’s Town. Louise (new education director) had a very nice, inspiring, motivational, informational meeting, and we all feel like we are ready for a new tour season. And there were cookies!!!

Believe it or not, Walmart did not have the Kleenex that I purchase, so I stopped at the Dollar Tree (.25) on the way home and grabbed a few boxes. I barely got home when the rain came – POURING! Nate called about 5 minutes later and I almost thought he was calling to tell me that his house blew about a mile down the road! It was VERY windy – but all was well. We actually had a very nice phone visit. Everything is OK, and I’m always relieved to hear that. I can usually deal with life’s crazies if I know my family is doing OK!

After I post this, I will grab a bowl of soup and call it a night. It’s already close to 8:30pm.

May 3 – Did you have a treehouse? “No. Hazel & I found some wild grape vines that were twisted in a circle and twined around to make a nice platform 7 or 8 feet off the ground. We would carry our dolls up on the hill above where Uncle Gene & Aunt Hazel built their house. We could leave our dolls, since the cows couldn’t step on them or chew on them.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was several PA State Parks, the major one with the waterfalls was Rickett’s Glen. Shannon has a State Park passport, and this past week she got the last stamp. She has been to all 120 of the State Parks and State Forests in Pennsylvania! Fittingly, the last stamp she got was World’s End State Park! Below are more photos of Rickett’s Glen waterfalls!

Calendar Inspiration –  You can influence others without realizing it – be a good role model!

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TOMORROW May 4th is:

• Bird Day
• National Candied Orange Peel Day
• National Orange Juice Day
• National Renewal Day
• National Star Wars Day
• National Weather Observers Day
• National Skilled Trades Day
• National Interpreter Appreciation Day
• National Bike to School Day 

It’s ironic that this week’s theme for the 7:30am wake up song is birds! This morning’s song was Tennessee Bird Walk and it made me laugh. If you haven’t listened lately, you should! Lots to celebrate tomorrow – my favorite will be National Interpreter Appreciation Day – Love you Kathy! God bless…

It was nice to have a ‘normal’ (I really dislike that term) and quiet start to my day. A little work in both stores, then home to cut the grass. It felt good to be outside. I snapped some photos of a few little things in the yard, and also brought in a fresh vase of lilacs. They bloom for such a short time I feel like I need to have them for as long as possible!

I finished the laundry loads – I really have a pile linens from Hanna’s Town to iron off. I have a meeting there tomorrow and would like to return them. I still have a load waiting to be folded of my own items!

I know that when most people think of Naomi Judd they think Country Music. Although that crosses my mind, I think of one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies – Window Wonderland. She was one of the major characters in that movie. I may have to watch it while I iron this afternoon!

• Stars: Chyler Leigh, Paul Campbell, Naomi Judd
• Genre: Comedy | Family | Romance
• Release Date: 2013-11-23

Three birthdays to mention today! First is my niece Tonia – Kathy’s daughter-in law. Happiest of birthdays, Tonia; enjoy your day and have a wonderful year. Next is my sweet friend Mary – hope your day is happy! Than my dear friends Greg & Lynn Pelc’s daughter Sarah. Hope your day is amazing Sarah! Happy, happy birthday to all three special, beautiful ladies!

May 2 – How much do you remember paying for an ice cream cone? “My cousin Hazel and her husband Chester had a small grocery tore. That was where I had my first ice cream cone. They would give us the nickel back. 5 cents was the going price in the 1930’s.” I pass their storefront in Pleasant Unity from time to time. That building is empty now.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was London England, and the photo posted was Electric Avenue! Here are only a few additional sites in London:

Calendar Inspirations – Our choices represent who we are.

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TOMORROW May 3rd is:

• National Chocolate Custard Day
• National Garden Meditation Day
• National Lumpy Rug Day
• National Montana Day
• National Paranormal Day
• National Raspberry Popover Day
• National SAN Architect Day
• National Specially-Able Pets Day
• National Textiles Day
• National Two Different Colored Shoes Day
• National Foster Care Day
• National Teacher Appreciation Day 

Gardens are great for meditating; my friend Ed Kelemen is into paranormal big time! I wore 2 different shoes to work one day. Embarrassing 🙁 . We should all appreciate teachers. Have a happy Tuesday! God bless…

It wasn’t raining when I got up – but I knew it was coming. But before I decided on the day, we had our Sunday school class. Tomorrow is Mary’s birthday, and we had cake as a treat for her and the kids. We sang Happy Birthday and celebrated Mary!

As predicted, the rain came and went all morning – even a pass-through storm and a few downpours. I decided to do at least a few museums – because today was Ligonier’s Free Museum Day.

I’ve been to all the museums several times, but still enjoy them. Since I was by myself today, I took extra time and sat through the videos from start to finish. The first one was at the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Museum. It’s one of my favorites. The story of the building and preservation of the Lincoln Highway and the sites along the trail are really fascinating to me. Did you know that the highway begins in New York City and ends in San Francisco?

Next stop was the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, and again I watched the video. This video had actual footage of the last run of the Ligonier Valley train, which was August 31 1952. I was two, so of course I don’t remember! My favorite thing here is the old caboose. I also took a picture of the commemorative brick for Kyle’s mom Mimi Owens, who was the former direction of the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association before she passed away. Kyle is Kathy’s son-in-law (married to Sarah). It was inspiring to see it in the walkway.

By now it was pouring rain, and I decided to switch direction and return to Greensburg. Chrissy told me that she had several photos on display at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and I wanted to see them. I found four – she thought there might be more but I couldn’t locate other ones. I’m so proud of her great photos and hard work! Way to go, Christina!

And to catch up on last evening, here are pictures of the set and the program. I ushered with Theresa Baughman’s close friend (she’s ‘in charge’!) and we had some good conversation. I enjoy helping there.

After this is done, the plan is to make a pot of potato soup (rainy days are good for homemade soup!), then pay bills (not so good for ANY days!). And maybe iron the tablecloths from yesterday.

May 1 – What were May Baskets made of and what did they contain? “As I told you, on April 30th, the baskets were made mostly out of paper. If we had a shoe box we would decorate it. No one could afford to buy baskets in our school. If we had some homemade treats we were excited to put it in our baskets.” Times are so different!

Yesterday’s vacation was not a destination, it was an event – May Day! The hint was in Mom’s memory post, and the picture was sharing May baskets. Here are other May Day traditions:

Calendar inspiration is from Snoopy:

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TOMORROW May 2nd is:

• National Life Insurance Day
• National Truffle Day
• Melanoma Monday

First day of a new work month tomorrow. Have a happy day, and count the things you are thankful for. Our Sunday School lesson was about being thankful. Tell someone THANK YOU!!! God bless… (PS – I am thankful for MANY things, but THANK YOU to all of you who read this!)

Early morning wakeup, then changed and washed bed sheets, had breakfast, and was off to Hanna’s Town by 8:45. It promised to be a beautiful day with clear skies and sunshine.

We had a nice amount of helpers all day, and both the 11:30am and the 2pm groups had great praises for the whole event. Proctor’s Militia was encamped in the fort, tours were going on all day, and the shop was open as well. We were all very busy. Some of the reenactors came in to say hello, and we fed them leftovers of our sandwiches and treats. We ate our fair share, as well. My personal favorite was the pound cake. Mary Ann made two extra loaves, and we all took advantage of that, for sure.

And here’s our dynamic duo – the Tea Team! They make it all happen, every time. Thank you, Claudia and Priscilla!

I had to make a quick trip over to Giant Eagle, and there was a dinosaur on the corner selling subs. I guess you just never know…

I will usher for Beat at the Greensburg Civic Center but will not stay for the play. I’m tired already and I didn’t even get there yet! But it’s a good tired, and we really had a great day!

Today would have been Stoney’s birthday (he would have been 86!). And also, today is my friend Teresa’s birthday. Happy birthday Teresa – hope your day was wonderful and your vacation trip is amazing!

April 30 – Tell about a May day tradition – “In school we made paper baskets & put whatever we had in them. We would sneak up & leave the basket at a neighbors house. Sometimes we could find some flowers & sometimes we made some paper flowers. Mom would give us cookies to put in the ‘paper’ basket. We always hoped it wouldn’t rain that afternoon.” Such fun traditions. Why don’t kids still do this?

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Toronto Canada, and the picture posted was Fort York. Here are just a few other sites in Toronto:

Calendar inspiration – Go someplace new and do something fun!

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TOMORROW May 1st is:

• Law Day
• May Day
• National Chocolate Parfait Day
• National Loyalty Day
• National Mother Goose Day
• School Principals’ Day
• Silver Star Service Banner Day
• National Infertility Survival Day
• National Lemonade Day 

Let’s just celebrate the beauty of the day, of a new month, and spending time in the Lord’s house! God bless…

My whole day – until mid-afternoon – was spent at Hanna’s Town helping to set up for the Annual Spring Tea, which is tomorrow. The spring and fall teas sell out as soon as they are announced so we have a full house for both the 11:30am and the 1pm seatings. We spent the morning with two teams. The first team dressed the tables: tablecloths, napkins, service tiers, chairs. After that was completed, we set out all the extra serving dishes on trays. Next was to set the clear glass plates and the unique, individual tea cups and saucers at each place. We cleaned out the fridge to make room for the food that will be brought out in the morning, and cleared a few shelves to put the baked goods and desserts.

The second team did the flowers. Becky and Debbie had buckets of beautiful blooms and transformed all the rooms into delightful ‘gardens.’ It looked so effortless and everything was so beautiful. In fact, one of the buckets sitting on the sidewalk was glorious – but Debbie said that was her bucket of extra stems and flowers – not an arrangement. Could have fooled me! Aren’t they all beautiful? We left there about 1pm, geared to return at 9am tomorrow to start on the food and servings. Everyone is excited to be part of this event!

I left Hanna’s Town, drove through McDonalds for a frozen Coke, and went down to walk through L&L Fleatique. I didn’t buy anything, but I found one astonishing item. I could not believe ‘Stinky’ skunk was selling for $50.00! Wow! I’m excited that I have one of my own. I knew the Ty skunks were rare but not to that extent.

When I got home and backed down the driveway, this is the photo I took of the hill across from my house.

I was eating a bowl of veggie soup when Chrissy txt me to ask for a ride for her and Hope to and from the Mall. Sigh. So they are there now, and I have to pick them up about 8pm. THEN my day will be done!

April 29 – What childhood fear do you remember? “I wasn’t afraid of anything except snakes. We were told a laughing hyena was roaming our woods. They are a carnivorous quadruped & we were sure they would eat us if they ever caught us :(” I’m pretty sure they are not native to Western Pennsylvania…🙁 ” I’m pretty sure they are not native to Western Pennsylvania…

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Knoxville TN and the photo posted was Ijams Nature Center. Here are just a few of other thing to see in Knoxville:

Calendar inspiration – everything was once new – current events soon become history. Share your stories!

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TOMORROW April 30th is:

• National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
• National Bubble Tea Day
• National Bugs Bunny Day
• National Hairstylist Appreciation Day
• National Honesty Day
• National Military Brats Day
• National Oatmeal Cookie Day
• National PrepareAthon! Day
• National Raisin Day
• National Sarcoidosis Day
• National First Ladies Day
• National Kiss of Hope Day
• National Pool Opening Day
• National Rebuilding Day
• National Sense of Smell Day 

I’m sure Kathy will celebrate First Ladies Day, and if you look it up it’s worth celebrating! There are lots of choices – I might not open the pool if you are local. It’s a bit chilly still. I think we should be honest EVERY day. And Jen Johnson at Ninth Life Rescue will of course celebrate Adopt a Shelter Pet Day! Just celebrate! God bless….

I cannot believe Chrissy is sixteen! And I can’t believe the changes in her over the past year. She is growing into a lovely, sensitive, accomplished and kind young woman! She is fun, and funny, and compassionate. It’s a pleasure to celebrate with her – Happy Birthday my sweet Christina!

Chrissy wanted books for her birthday, and that – of course – made me happy, too! We had trouble finding them but she finally found a safe site that we could order them through. I did that and am having them shipped to her address. It’s fun to get the kids what they want. Sometimes they don’t even know what they want!

I worked both stores this morning, and also stopped at Mike’s to help him with something. We discussed some of the changes coming to PENNDOT this fall and I know he’ll have a tough time making the adjustments. But if there is any way, Mike will figure it out!

After work I came home and changed clothes and cut the grass and weed whacked. I swept the walks and the driveway, then I dug about two dozen dandelions out of the flower beds. Found that my Bleeding Heart is blooming!

Lunch was a bowl of soup on the run, and then I picked Autmn up for a doctor’s appointment. It went really well and I was excited for her that she felt like someone took her seriously and will try to help her navigate through some rough times. Her first day of work yesterday went very well, and everyone there was pleased with how well she caught on to everything. She seems to really love it!

So here are some fun photos of Chrissy to celebrate sixteen years!

April 28 – Do you have a story about a big surprise? “When I was 7 years and a few months old my mother said she had a nice surprise for all of us. We were going to get a new baby in our family. I was excited but also concerned that I was going to have to share my parents with a baby. I was jealous, for a long time, of Joan.” They were best friends and very close! It all turned out OK!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Tucson AZ and the photo posted was the Kitt Peak Observatory. Here are other Tucson sites:

Calendar Inspiration – Face Every challenge as an opportunity for new personal growth.

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TOMORROW April 29th is:

• National Historic Marker Day
• National Peace Rose Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• National Zipper Day 
• National Arbor Day
• National Hairball Awareness Day
• National Poem In Your Pocket Day 

Hairball? HAIRBALL? Ummmm. I’m not sure how excited I can get about a zipper, either. But an Historic Marker, that’s my kind of deal! I will be helping at Hanna’s Town tomorrow and Saturday – so I will be VERY historical!!!! God bless…

As is usual, Wednesday is my mid-weak day – not much exciting. I cleaned and did laundry but actually got side-tracked a few times! First I went through the sweaters and got rid of at least half, and packed away half of what was left. It felt good to cut back, and I certainly don’t wear them enough (or at all) to keep them. I will let Kelly go through them first, because she often knows of people who would enjoy what I’m sharing.

Also went through some bags and purses and wallets, etc. Got rid of more than half of those. They, too, will be sorted through by Kelly on her next trip up. I had things that I set aside for the girls, as well. Some things for Goodwill. My front seat is full of things to share! Again, happy to reduce inventory.

After I finished cleaning, I went through the final remnants of what was left out of Grandad Crooks’ trunk. They are just old photos and books that were duplicates or in very poor shape, so most of it is getting trashed. Anything worth saving I am taking over to the historical society to see if Joanna wants it for any of their archives or displays.

I sorted out a few photos that I wanted to keep, and one was a picture of Kathy and I on a billboard platform. We thought that was the coolest thing! We were visiting Uncle Hank and Aunt Helen, and we used it as a playhouse. I somehow think we weren’t supposed to be up there!

The highlight of my day was talking to Lindsey Smail – Schneider. I had some questions about the recent deaths at Smail Auto. We talked for almost half an hour. It was nice to catch up and just talk for a bit. I know she was busy so I’m happy that she took the time to chat for a while. Bill’s Memorial Celebration is in May, and I wanted to RSVP and get some information.

April 27 – What did you do with it? Did you get caught? (yesterday’s entry about the yellow towel). “I couldn’t do anything with it as I had no idea who had left it on the beach next to us.” Understood!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Sioux City, South Dakota, as today is National South Dakota Day! Picture posted was the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial. Other things to see in Sioux City:

Calendar Inspiration – When the time is right, things will happen with remarkable speed. Be ready!

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TOMORROW April 28th is:

• National Blueberry Pie Day
• National BraveHearts Day
• National Great Poetry Reading Day
• National Superhero Day
• Workers’ Memorial Day
• National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
• National Teach Children to Save Day –

I have a sneaking feeling that neither Kelly nor Nathan want to go to work with me tomorrow. They are out being their own superheroes! Have a piece of Blueberry Pie, be Brave, and teach your children how to save. These days, they need to start young! God bless…

I could have driven the whole way to Newport today for as much as I was in the car – although not all the time driving. I left the house at 8:15 to pick Autmn up for her interview at McDonalds in New Stanton. She got the job! She was so excited. She had to go home and fill out forms and applications online, then go back in at 2pm for training videos and shift assignments. She starts tomorrow. So I dropped her back off at home at 9:30am, went to Pinnacle in Greensburg then in Jeannette.

I stopped at the florist in Greensburg to get the receipt for the estate, then stopped at Kathy’s to pick up the rest of the documents to mail to the attorney. Autmn called and said they changed the time to 1pm, so I didn’t even go home; I picked her up and took her back down. She was there for over 2 hours, but she got her hat, her uniforms and her schedule; she is all set.

(* Side note – if you have time listen to ‘Ernest/Morgen Wallen – Flower Shops’ song. I love it, and had to immediately play it in the car!!!)

When I took Autmn home, I picked up Chrissy and the three of us went to Dick’s to get Chrissy her shorts for football. We stopped at Pet Market so Chrissy could pick up a job application. Chrissy got four pair of shorts; then she popped into Panera Bread to get some soup. (Autmn and I had eaten at McDonalds.)

We were going to eat out together, but Autmn had made plans to have me pick up Penny and Josie (her sisters) and take them to the new house, so I dropped all four of them off and they were having a great time! So by the time I got home it was a little before 6pm! I spent so much of my time waiting on girls that I’m over halfway through the book I started reading this morning! But that’s ok, because I love to read and the book is good (Although not as good as Liz’s books!).

I got a strong whiff of the lilacs when I was pulling into the garage, so I snipped a few to bring inside. The scent is delicious!

April 26 – Did you ever take anything that wasn’t yours? “Not on purpose – Mary Jane & her 3 kids, Thelma & her 2 kids, and me (with you & Kathy) went to Keystone Park to swim. When we gathered everything to come home I picked up all the towels. I brought home someone else’s big yellow towel. I thought it was ours.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination is one that Teresa is hoping to experience during her May vacation with the tour group Women Traveling Together. This will be her third tour with the group, and they go to some awesome places. Her ‘bucket list’ adventure is to take a sunset ride on a sailing schooner and help with the rigging, etc. Here are more photos of the beautiful boats!

The sunset cruise will be out of St. Augustine FL.

Calendar Inspiration is – near or far, joy can be found any place in your day.

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TOMORROW April 27th is:

• National Gummi Bear Day*
• National Babe Ruth Day
• National Devil Dog Day
• National Prime Rib Day
• National Tell a Story Day
• Stop Food Waste Day – Last Wednesday in April
• National Administrative Professionals’ Day

I hope ‘writing a story’ counts! I do that frequently. Tell a great story today! Have a happy Wednesday. God bless…