Wow what a crazy couple of weeks this has been. First was my friend Bill Smail passing away, then April’s grandson Griffin. Today I found out that two former Smail employees – who I worked with for better than 20 years! – both passed within a few days of each other. One was quite a shock.

Bob Zumbro – or Zum to those of us who knew him well – has lived in Florida these past 15 years because of health reasons. I knew he wasn’t well but it’s still sad to hear. Zum and I started out as best enemies. He was a very ‘rough’ biker; strong language, strong appearance, strong history of wild behavior. In truth, he scared me! As we worked together, I discovered that there was a super nice, kind, generous, funny, respectful person behind the ‘strong’ reputation. I was glad to have known him. From him I learned not to judge a book…. In fact, he was a key player in helping me move from Mohawk Dr. to Wren Dr. back in 1991. He went out of his way to make it happen. (I don’t have a photo…)

And that brings me to Dave Basl – also a nice guy. Always helpful, giving, efficient. There was seldom a holiday that went past that he didn’t send me a cheery greeting. He, too, helped us move; in fact, he arranged for me to borrow Smail’s big box truck, and even drove it for us. He and his wife had holiday parties and it was a family affair. My kids loved going there – his boys had a great train display set up at Christmas! Dave was still working (he’s my age) at Smail’s; I just saw him right before Easter. I was very surprised when I heard. I’m praying for Bob’s wife Chris and their families, and for Dave’s wife Lois and their four kids and grandkids.

Wow. So, I guess it’s time to move through the sad thoughts and remember the happy memories. And there were happy memories for lots of us who worked together!

After working both stores this morning, I made a deposit at the bank, stopped at the Dollar (.25) Tree and Dollar General, got gas in the car, and picked up a receipt from the cemetery to turn into the estate lawyer. After lunch I cut most of the yard. I treated the bottom yard on Saturday and it’s really not supposed to be cut until it rains. But I did the rest. Then I swept out and washed the car, and watered the plants I set in on Saturday. I figured watering the plants is a great way to assure it will rain! Also did a load of laundry. Busy day.

I also checked at the gravesite at the cemetery to see if Mom’s birth and death dates were on the marker. They were, so that’s all done.

April 25 – Tell about the first time you were ever behind the wheel of a car. “My brother Jim bought a car with a ‘rumble seat’. I was allowed to drive it around in our hay field. It was fun.” I remember our cousin Danny in his little gold Ramble convertible driving around in the field behind Grama’s house. And around. And around. And around. It’s a wonder he wasn’t dizzy… He would tie banana peals to his antenna. (???)

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Lancaster, and the picture posted was of President Buchanan’s home, Wheatland. I still remember touring the house. He was one of the only bachelor presidents. I think his niece was his ‘first lady’. Here are other sites around Lancaster:

Calendar Inspiration – with good cheer and good companions, every job you do will go better.

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TOMORROW April 26th is:

• National Audubon Day
• National Dissertation Day
• National Help a Horse Day
• National Kids and Pets Day
• National Pretzel Day
• National Richter Scale Day
• National South Dakota Day

Come on! Live a little. Help a horse (??), eat a pretzel, visit South Dakota. Whatever you do – enjoy! God bless…

Today was a beautiful weather day! I think it was nicer than yesterday. After Sunday school and church, I grabbed a quick lunch, changed clothes, then started a pot of veggie soup. I had leftover beef and broth and carrots and noodles so it made sense. I just had a small sample bowl and it was very yummy!

After I set the beef soup bones to simmering, I went outside. My main goal was to get all the lawn decorations out of the shed and put them around the gardens. I usually fret over trying to remember where they went before – but this time I just put them wherever they landed! Everything looks nice and comfy.

While I was working I kept getting whiffs of different scents. The first one I knew was the mulch – not so pleasant. But the second smelled like flowers! I hadn’t bought any, and the hyacinths are done blooming. I happened to look up at the lilac hedge and they are starting to bloom! The whites are most fragrant, then the light violet, then the dark lilacs have the least fragrance. Ironically, the dark (French) lilacs had the most blooms! But those little clusters of white were sending aroma all through the yard. Lovely!

Today is Logan’s birthday. Fifteen! Hardly seems possible! His Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg were coming in from Altoona and they had a weekend of fun and food planned. I’m steeling a few photos from Kelly’s earlier Facebook post. Happy birthday, Logi!!! Love you!

April 24 – Where were your best hide-and-seek places? “In the spring house 🙂 . Sometimes in the barn or the pig pen.” Logan would have felt right at home!!! (And Peyton!)

Yesterday’s vacation destination was in honor of Logan: Universal Studios Harry Potter Kingdom! Here are additional pictures. I have no clue what most of them are!

Calendar inspiration – Snoopy:

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TOMORROW April 25th is:

• National DNA Day
• National East Meets West Day
• National Hug a Plumber Day
• National Telephone Day
• National Zucchini Bread Day

I’m pretty sure I won’t hug a plumber, but I’m certain I’ll use my phone! It’s also eight months to Christmas day. I’m not ready for that; I just cleaned up Easter! Happy birthday Logan!! God bless…

It’s 8:30pm and I just came in from outside. It was a beautiful day to be outside working in the yard. I started the day changing and washing bed sheets, ironing, gluing a broken Easter decoration, and making some phone calls.

I had some errands to run, and I started at Lowe’s. I picked up another flat of ground cover, more Scott’s Weed and Seed X2, and four bags of mulch (on sale). I saw the cutest thing parked by the garden center. There was a dog taking a ride on a motorcycle! The owner allowed me to take a phono. Looks like they were going to have a fun ride.

Next I went to the Dollar Tree for greeting cards, then to Walmart for groceries. There was lots of traffic and lots of people – everything was crowded. I got what I needed and got home asap. I did see a crazy looking balloon sculpture at the new Dunkin’ Donuts – they are hiring. But then, who ISN’T hiring!!!

After a quick lunch I changed clothes and went outside. I re-treated my yard with the Scott’s Weed & Seed, as recommended by Matt. Then I pulled weeds on the hill and behind the shed, and dug up a few dandelions. I planted the 5 hyacinths, the two trays of ground cover, and then put down the mulch. I only needed 3 bags, so I’ll see where I need to put the fourth bag. I also had a small bag of pond stones to fill in some sparse places under the deck. I’m happy with the way the space looks now – I worked on the beds around the bottom of the driveway.

I was also excited to see my bridal veil bush in full bloom. At least, Mom called it that! She gave me the bush right after I moved into this house, and it was from Grama Crooks’ garden.

April 23 – Did you have any superstitions? “Just ‘fun’ ones. Step on a crack & break your mother’s back! If you drop a spoon you will get a letter in the mail soon. If you drop a fork a man will come. If you drop a knife a woman will come.” These days I’m always dropping things. I think it means I don’t pay attention to what I’m doing!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Gettysburg and the picture posted was the Little Round Top historic site. Ironically, Autmn just sent me a txt and said that Shaun is there for the weekend! I had no clue! So, that’s fun. Here are a few more pictures from Gettysburg.

Calendar inspirations – every worthwhile project requires groundwork ahead of time.

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TOMORRWO April 24th is:

• National Pigs in a Blanket Day
• National Pet Parents Day

Jen’s pig really DOES have it’s own blanket!! He sleeps under it. So I guess Jen is a pet parent! Have a happy day. God bless…

Every time I woke up last night, I found myself listening for the boys to see if they were still up. House is quiet now. It was very foggy this morning, but the moon was really bright and still pretty full. The fog burned off quickly and it was a beautiful sunny day. I spent the day inside doing household chores and cleaning, catching up from my lazy week. I still have a list for the weekend.

I did take a few minutes to trace around the letters on my garden box. The writing always fades and you can’t see it so I just use Sharpies. I also put the little set of battery lights on the back of the couch since all the Easter decorations are tucked away. At least there is a little bit of light.

Finally put my little tulip spinner out, as well. Not sure if it’s in the right place to get enough wind to make it spin. We’ll see what happens. I’ll move it if it doesn’t work where it is.

April 22 – What is the biggest physical problem you had to deal with? “I had my foot burned with hot lead when I was very young. I couldn’t go to school for several weeks. I couldn’t wear my shoe & it was cold weather.” I have the locket Uncle Jim was making when Mom got burned – it’s hanging in the Crooks room.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was New York City, and the picture posted was Woodbury Commons Shopping area. Here are a FEW of the things to see in NYC:

Calendar inspiration – Seek out good things and you’ll find them.

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TOMORROW April 23rd is:

• National Cherry Cheesecake Day
• National Lost Dogs Awareness Day
• National Picnic Day
• National Take a Chance Day
• National Talk Like Shakespeare Day 
• Celebrate Trails Day
• National Record Store Day 

Well, that should do it. I’ll consider a picnic or look for lost dogs – or take a chance on a trail to the record store. Whew! Have a great weekend. God bless!

We started laundry first thing, even before breakfast or showers, so Kelly would have all the clothes clean and not have to do that when she got home. We had pancakes for breakfast and worked on little things all morning. They left about 2pm and I missed them right away! Even making pancakes for Chase at 7:30pm for supper, or cooking Quesadillas for breakfast at 11am when he got up! And Logan single-handedly finished the deviled eggs.

The new Education Director from Hanna’s Town called me (all the volunteers). She is so excited to start on May 2nd, and we are all excited to have her on board. She has been volunteering there for years and years, and she’ll be a great asset to the site. We are having a get-together on May 3rd to talk about the expectations and the anticipations. Louise is going to be a great addition and I know she’ll bring new ideas and direction for all of us!

I worked all afternoon in both stores. I was glad there were deals at Jeannette and Greensburg. Joe is still handling things mostly on his own. I think Rege had already left for the Pens game. Hope they win: Let’s go Pens!

I was looking through some things in my closet and found the lamb pajama bag my mom made me when I was probably five. I put some material in it to puff it up and put it in the Crooks room. Why keep it tucked away? Might as well enjoy it sitting out where I can see it and remember. Kathy had a Humpty Dumpty. I like my lamb!

April 21 – What is the best book you ever read as a child? “I loved Little Black Sambo. I wore it out reading and looking at the pictures. When I was a little older I was impressed by “Gone with the Wind.” We used to have the Little Black Sambo book, and we loved it also. I used to have Mom’s GWTW book but not sure who has it now.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Albion PA and the picture posted was the Sherman Covered Bridge. I know we went to several covered bridges but not sure if this was one. Other sites in Albion:

Calendar Inspiration – Got an uphill climb?  Keep pushing onward and upward and you’ll reach your goal.

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TOMORROW April 22nd is:

• National Earth Day
• National Girl Scout Leader’s Day
• National Jelly Bean Day
• National Donate Life Blue & Green Day – Changes Annually – (April 22, 2022)
• National Day of Silence 

Speaking of Girl Scouts – I also found the Girl Scout apron that mom made me – and all of the girls in Troup 185. Fun! Have a great day with your jelly beans – God bless…

Right after breakfast, Hilltop Pest Control came to assess the ant situation. They sprayed inside and out and I have to leave any residue for at least a week. It’s safe; made out of cauliflower power. Guaranteed or they will do a second treatment. I’ll be glad to get ride of those buggers. I feel like I’m working my way through a lighter version of the 10 plagues of Egypt. But if everything keeps working out in the end, I can’t complain!

After lunch I was helping Kelly with a few sewing projects, and Chase was demonstrating how he liked to sleep under the bed! Didn’t look too comfortable to me.

I fixed the waist band on a pair of sweatpants for Kelly, then helped to hem her skirt. It looks like it fits perfectly – but she’s standing on a step stool! We cut it off – about 6 inches or better – then I hemmed it up. I think it will be fine now.

Kelly still had several school projects to finish, so I cut the grass, weed-whacked, and used the blower to clean all the walks and driveway. With the sun shining it looks so nice! Job well done!

As soon as I’m done and Kelly’s finished with her biology worksheets, we’ll get supper. They leave after lunch tomorrow and then it’s back to work for me! Just found out one of my co-workers had a stroke and will be off for a while. That will really leave Joe short-handed! So many hard and sad things going on around us.

April 20 – Did you ever write something that you were really proud of? “Nothing that I can remember.” Well, I disagree. She wrote the story about her grandmother Crooks’ special chair. I still have her hand-written copy!

Vacation destination for yesterday – suggested by Trent – was Gatlinburg TN. The picture posted was the scenic overlook. Here are other points of interest:

Calendar Inspiration – Take advantage of the good things that come along.

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TOMORROW April 21st is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day
• National Kindergarten Day
• National Yellow Bat Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day
• National High Five Day 

Lots to celebrate tomorrow! Choose carefully and wisely and have a great celebration. God Bless….

What a weather day! Several times it was a literal white-out blizzard. It was SO cold! I went outside to change the garden flags to spring – I was tempted to put up winter ones again. Spring WILL arrive. In it’s own good time (but hurry up!)

Before our friends left last night, Alexander climbed up with Logan and they were playing a calm game together. Alexander was certain that Logan was a friend for life – and maybe he is. Logan was so patient and kind and fun with the boys.

We did have our soup for lunch, and then I went over to the funeral home. When I walked in, April gave me a big hug and said she was watching for me! She knew I would come, and I’m so glad I chose to go to the first viewing right away. I asked her what happened, and she said Griffin had been ill, fighting a fever, and just didn’t wake up on Wednesday morning. It’s a total nightmare for all of them. I had never seen a young child at a viewing, and it was very unsettling. I was so glad I could be there for her and the family. Such a sweet little boy. My heart aches for them. There were so many baskets of bright, beautiful flowers, with stuffed dinosaurs and teddy bears and toys. He was wearing his Superman shirt. It’s something a person won’t forget in a long, long time.

We had sliders and French fries for supper, and now the boys are playing video games and Kelly is working on the ‘eternal’ lesson plans! Tomorrow we have some sewing projects and I have ironing to do. And the boys will – – – play video games.

We looked out the window during supper and saw a duck land in the neighbor’s driveway. I think he needs a ride somewhere…

April 10- Tell about any sports you played in Junior or Senior High. “The only sport I played was Volley Ball during Gym class.” I’m with you, Mom – no sports for THIS girl, either!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was West Virginia, and the picture posted was Seneca Rocks. Here are other worthy site in WV:

Calendar Inspiration – If something isn’t working for you, make room for something better.

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Vacation Destination – Today’s vacation destination was suggested by Trent last night. No hesitation at all. He’s very sure this is where he wants to go!

TOMORROW April 20th is:

• 420 Day
• National Cheddar Fries Day
• National Lima Bean Respect Day
• National Look Alike Day
• National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day
• National Banana Day

We had fries, but no Cheddar, and although I totally respect Lima Beans, we didn’t have any. Tomorrow will be a fun day to celebrate because they are all fun things. What looks alike to YOU? God bless – and pray for Griffin’s family during tomorrow’s service.

Before I get into today’s activities, I have to post a birthday! I missed it! Yesterday was my young friend Ashly’s birthday – Ashly was my very first prayer partner, and I believe she was still in elementary school! Now she is a sweet, beautiful accomplished young woman, who has a heart for God and a happy spirit. Happy Birthday, Ashly. May all your tomorrows be filled with blessings!

Even without a schedule to follow, Kelly and I were both awake about 7am. Even before breakfast and a shower, we ‘suited up’ and went outside to gather up the little egg decorations before it rained. After breakfast we did a quick grocery run to fill in the blanks between Easter leftovers. Kelly suddenly decided she was hungry for Acini de Pepe soup so we bought all the ingredients. That will be tomorrow’s lunch.

As the soup simmered (sounds like a soap opera title!) we started gathering up all the inside decorations and packing them away. We had quite a mess for a while until we could get organized, but except for the window stickees we are all finished. I even switched my blankets from Easter to spring!

We ordered pizza tonight, because Kelly’s friends Trent and Michelle and their boys Connor and Alexander are visiting for a while. After supper Connor (red shirt) and Alexander (blue) played a game of Candyland with Logan. I don’t think anyone actually won! (Trent and Michelle on the couch.)

Kelly spent most of yesterday afternoon finishing her lap blanket. Just the right size for watching TV or reading a book! This is her third one.

Kelly also made Kathy and I our shirts for vacation. Mine is dark purple and Kathy’s is forest green. Can’t wait to go to Newport – The Gilded Age mansions! That be US!

April 18 – Tell about the best birthday present you ever received. “It may not be the ‘best’ birthday gift I ever received, but it was the most revealing. They bought me a 2 piece swim suit which Dad said the money they paid for it would cover more of me than the swimsuit did. I really liked it.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was bunny farms, and the picture posted shows the dog standing guard! Other pictures are:

Calendar Inspiration – Today, enjoy the joys of springtime: Warm sunshine, sweet breezes, new growth.

Quote – Ironically, I was watching a movie last night that had this exact quote; then it showed up on my facebook page! Crazy!

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TOMORROW April 19th is:

• National Amaretto Day
• National Garlic Day
• National Hanging Out Day
• National North Dakota Day
• National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

I think — we’ll just hang out!!! It’s nice having a few days off…. God bless!

The sky was very dramatic last night before I went to bed. I think the refection is from a night light inside – but doesn’t it look like a slight rainbow on the left? It made you stop and think – Could Jesus return on the celebration of His resurrection?

It was great to see a full church this morning! And I appreciated the white cloth on the cross, replacing Friday night’s purple one. He is risen! JJ & Max (my Sunday School boys) were dressed alike in their sports coats – and it helped that there were flecks of purple! I usually have two or three but today I had five, and the two visitors were JJ & Max’s cousins. Josie wasn’t quite three, and I had forgotten how much that year and a half difference makes. We had to make adjustments to our ‘program’, but they were all so cute! When I told about Mary crying because she thought they took Jesus away, Josie dramatically began to cry, rubbing her eyes… But no real tears. She is certainly not shy!

First order of business was to put the ham in the oven. Slow cooking it makes it juicy and tender. I just did one task at a time until everyone showed up, about 2:15 or so. All the food was wonderful. A bonus was Jen’s veggie pizza and also her ‘famous’ ranch dip with Wavy chips. Yum. I’m really not supposed to be eating crunchy foods but I was very careful to eat on the left side and chew completely! After lunch the kids opened their treats; Jen and Chrissy were coloring on the floor (Chrissy got a nice art book for Easter from her Mom), Chase & Logan were playing video games (big surprise there!), and the rest were sitting around talking and watching TV. My cup of blessings is running over. Autmn’s boyfriend Shawn is very nice and I enjoyed having him here. As usual, I forgot to take pictures! But here are two. Autmn’s friend Alex’s grandmother sent over a HUGE tray of cookies, so we didn’t scrimp on dessert, for sure!

Just a side note: I heard a local DJ say on the radio yesterday that it was National Bean Counter Day – and she said to thank your local barista! I don’t THINK so! Do YOU know what a bean counter is????

OR….

April 17 – When you played make-believe, what did you pretend? “I always wanted to be a dancer, on stage, to entertain people. I saw a dancer, named Liz-Tiz, at the Dayton Fair & tried to dance like she did. This was 1939 or 1940.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the current day Switzerland. The picture was an alpine village in the winter. Here are more enticing pictures of Switzerland.

The inspiration today is not on a calendar page. It’s the love of the Father, to give His Son, and the love of the Son, to give His life, and our love in accepting that great sacrifice. Happy Easter!

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TOMORROW April 18th:

• National Animal Crackers Day
• National Columnists’ Day
• National Lineman Appreciation Day

” Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
Gosh oh gee but I have fun
Swallowing animals one by one.” Another favorite Shirley Temple movie!!!

Have a great week – Hope your Easter was Egg-stra special! God bless.

The second txt I got this morning was from Bear. (The first, of course, being the song of the day from Di about waiting for Sunday!) For as long as I’ve know him, Bear has stepped into the roll of Easter Bunny for his church’s ‘Breakfast with the Easter Bunny’. I wanted to share his picture, and to pay honor to his dedication and selfless giving to others, all the time! Happy Easter, Bear!

I spent most of the day getting ready for tomorrow; getting the roaster out and washed, putting the corn to defrost. Pealing the potatoes to go around the ham and putting them in cold water. Making potato salad, egg salad, deviled eggs. Since Kelly, Logan and Chase are staying until mid-week, I needed to mix up extra frosting for the scones. Then I put the treats together for the kids and hid the ones for the grands. So after this is finished I will get something to eat and chill.

I used the eggs that Nate’s family dyed, and these are my favorites. It was disconcerting to pick up an egg and have it LOOKING at you! But they were all put to good use.

One of April’s friends had their office go together and they purchased a star for Griffin. That is so cool. He will be shining in Ursa Major. What a wonderful idea, and such a sense of peace and comfort.

Wishing a very happy birthday to the only Sir Regis that I know! Have the greatest day ever! Blessings to you and your family for Easter, as well!

Last night’s Good Friday service was very touching. The focus was The Road to the Cross. It was easy to feel the emotions and follow the pathways of that last week.

April 16 – Did you ever have a recurring dream as a child? “Being chased by a vampire.” I also know that Mom was afraid of an Indian attack and often had dreams about that, as well. I’m fairly certain that neither vampires nor Indians ever attacked….

Yesterday’s vacation destination was actually the Shirley Temple version of the movie Heidi. HEIDI has been one of my favorite books since elementary school. I have always dreamed of going to Switzerland to meet The Grandfather, ‘Goat’ Peter, and the Grandmother. And going to church in Dörfli . The picture posted was Aunt DeeDee taking Heidi to her Grandfather in the Alps. Sigh….

Here are a few more scenes from the movie:

Did you know there are two additional books about Heidi? Heidi Grows Up and Heidi’s Children. I still have them….

Calendar inspiration – Make new discoveries every day and share them.

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TOMORROW April 17th is:

• International Bat Appreciation Day
• National Cheeseball Day
• National Crawfish Day
• National Ellis Island Family History Day
• National Haiku Poetry Day
• Easter

I know there are people that do (and that bats are helpful) but I don’t think I could ever really, truly appreciate a bat… or a crawfish. Let’s stick with celebrating the risen Lord tomorrow – He is risen, Indeed!!! God bless…