So far, so good – no April Fool’s pranks! It was a strange weather day; sunny, windy, snowy, cloudy. I was hoping to not go out anywhere but had a call from Mike P and had to run over there really quick. Thankfully it’s close. Happy:

Thanks to Deb for the hint for puffing up my cookies. I’m planning on trying it on my next batch. In the meantime, I had two little duckies decide they want to go to live with Kathy. So I helped them pack and will deliver them tomorrow… .

I did some vacation research earlier, did some laundry, and mixed up two batches of cookies (not Chocolate Chip, though). I used the Candy Cane recipe and just made multi-colored twists. I made pie dough cinnamon rolls – but they still need iced. That might be tomorrow’s task, as I have to grab some dinner yet. And Iron. And answer an email!

April 1 – Do you have a good April Fool’s Day story? “We thought it was good when we were kids. We put salt in the sugar bowl. Dad wasn’t too happy when he had to throw out all his breakfast cereal.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Martha’s Vineyard, and the picture posted was the Charlotte Inn. Ever since watching A GODWINK CHRISTMAS in I believe 2018 – knowing it was based on a true story – I have been drawn to the island and the Inn. Maybe someday… other points of interest are:

Calendar inspiration – Today, focus on the positive.

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TOMORROW April 2nd is:

• National Ferret Day
• National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
• National Reconciliation Day
• World Autism Awareness Day 
• National Love Our Children Day
• National Handmade Day 

I do love my children! And grandchildren, and sister, and cousins, and other family, and friends! So much happy love! Tell someone you love them – tomorrow and every day! God bless…

At this point I would vote that March is going out like a lion. It’s very sunny and bright, but the wind is fierce and we had a quick thunderstorm – with a downpour – blow through about noon. I was happy that I was home; I had just came in from a windy walk. In fact, I took about 20 trash and recycle cans out of the middle of the street and put them in yards on my walk. I hesitated to do that but at one point a guy in a pickup just plowed into one in the road. It’s sunny now and hoping it stays that way!

The stream down the street was clear and reflective; notice the clouds reflected in the water?

After my walk I had lunch, then painted my nails. I had left them unpainted all winter so they could breathe. A little purple for Easter! I’m so horrid at doing it myself. But it will have to do!

There are a few hyacinths blooming, plus the myrtle. The ground cover that I planted at the bottom of the driveway at the end of the summer is really filling in!

My spreader also came, and I put it together and rolled it down to the shed. Can’t wait to use it! I have to find out if I use it BEFORE I cut the grass or after.

Just got a call that my prescription is ready, so I may run over there to pick it up when I’m done with this.

March 31 – Tell about a practical joke or prank you played on a person. “I never thought ‘practical jokes’ were funny so I never played them on anyone, even as a child. That doesn’t mean I didn’t do things that caused problems, but not as a joke —-“

Yesterday’s vacation destination was SeaWorld. They do have an extensive rehabilitation program, which was yesterday’s picture post. Here are more photos:

Calendar Inspiration – Make a fresh start today in some way – perhaps add a new good habit.

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TOMORROW April 1st is:

• April Fool’s Day
• National One Cent Day
• National Sourdough Bread Day
• Take Down Tobacco Day of Action 

I was never a fan of April Fool’s Day. I worked with a guy at Smail’s that was CRAZY about pulling pranks. One day I set his cloth snowman on fire because he had done something really STUPID to me! I regretted it but it needed done!!! Glad I’ll be here alone tomorrow. NO PRANKS!!! God bless..

The day kind of got away from me – not sure how that happened! Diane’s txt with the song of the day woke me at 7:30. I had not slept on Monday night, so I needed the extra time. After I listened to the song I decided to read a little in the book I just started, and read for almost an hour! After a shower and breakfast I intended to start cleaning but my neighbor called and had some title questions. They popped over and as they walked in they announced that they finally bought a house! She’s been looking for almost a year! We did get around to discussing the title work, but spent more time talking about the house. She will only be a few miles from Nate’s new house. SO – if this goes through I will be getting new neighbors this summer.

It was almost noon when I finally started on the cleaning, but I kept at it at a steady pace and was finished up about 4pm. It was such a lovely day that I took a walk through the neighborhood to get some fresh air. It felt so good to be outside. I had a few things I needed that our Walmart did not have so I went to the one in Irwin and got what I needed. Irwin sounds so far away but it’s not any further for me than going to Pinnacle Greensburg from here.

April (one of the PEEPS) txt me this morning and said they decided we needed to get together – so we picked Monday after work. I found this cute little sign to put in the yard – PERFECT!

Kelly called me to let me know what their April schedule is, and we are working on dates that they can come up for a few days. She told me the crazy story about Peyton getting two baby pigs for market – not for showing at the fair; they will get those next month. But the pigs were so small that when it got really cold they couldn’t leave them in the pigpen outside. Peyton put the dog crate together, spread hay in it, and put them in the kitchen! They were nice and warm and slept like babies and were no trouble. Now their pen is secured for the colder weather so they are out in their cozy home now, safe and warm. Their names are Maxwell and George. I don’t know which one is witch!

So that was my day.

March 30 – What were some crazy names or nicknames in your school? “One of the older girls, Viola Heberling, was nicknamed ‘Toots’. She is still called that at age 77. One of our teachers, Mayadore McMillen, was called Mickey Mouse!”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Johnston, PA, and the picture posted was in 1891. Some things to see in Johnstown:

Calendar Inspiration – Our view of the world depends on what we choose to focus on.

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TOMORROW March 31 is:

• National Bunsen Burner Day
• National Clams on the Half Shell Day
• National Crayon Day
• National Prom Day
• National Tater Day

We must have about 200 crayons in a box in our Sunday School room. So I do appreciate them! Hope you do, too! Enjoy the last day of March tomorrow. Lion or Lamb? God bless …

It was 17* this morning! Thankfully it was sunny and that made it tolerable. I am – for some reason – fascinated by the shadows that the bright sunshine makes on the blind and the walls. This was this morning’s patterns. I worked at both Pinnacle stores and did some title work for Mike G. I had the last of the tuna salad for lunch. All that is left now is a little bit of egg salad.

Autmn face-timed me to show me her latest surprise. Actually two, because she got her hair color changed to black! But she and her friend actually rescued a 5 month old puppy; they named it Rosy. Not surprising since Rose is Autmn’s middle name. Autmn is taking care of Rosy for the time being, so it will give her a responsibility and a focus until things settled down for her. Rosy may (not a sure thing) come for Easter dinner. I’m not entirely sure of the breed but Autmn says it’s an Alaskan something…

I will pick up Chris from track practice at 5pm and take her home. Since I got my second Shingles shot this morning I am just being lazy today. I feel fine but (forgive the whining!) my left arm doesn’t want to cooperate. It’s very stiff and sore! This too shall pass.

March 29 – Name your best school chums. “Vera Redinger; Ruth Sink; Dorothy Marshall.” Ruth Sink was her best friend, cousin, and basically her partner in crime!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Washington DC and the picture posted was Georgetown Historic District. Other points of interest (there are WAY more than this!):

Calendar inspiration is – look for moments of seasonal beauty, even in your own back yard.

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TOMORROW March 30 is:

• National Doctors Day
• National I Am in Control Day
• National Pencil Day
• National Take a Walk in the Park Day
• National Turkey Neck Soup Day
• National Virtual Vacation Day
• National Little Red Wagon Day
• Manatee Appreciation Day 

I’m not sure if I’ve totally been in control of anything my entire life – not even my pencil!! One thing is that we’ve been taking virtual vacations since January. Where will we go tomorrow? Maybe to visit a manatee. God bless!

TOO COLD! It felt like spring and winter were playing hide and seek today. Although it stayed cold, it was sunny one minute and snowing-blowing the next minute. I worked both Pinnacle stores and was glad to get safely and warmly home at noon.

After lunch (I’m still eating tuna salad from Saturday!) I started a load of laundry, then made a big pot of potato soup. Just seemed like a day to have hot soup.

Diane dropped off her Netflix DVD copy for me to watch – LOVE AND MERCY. It’s the story about Brian Wilson who founded the Beach Boys. If I hadn’t known that he’s still alive and doing shows I don’t think I could have watched it all the way through. It was so sad. I cried at the end. But part of that was because the last scene was shown to ‘Wouldn’t it be Nice’! That’s my all-time favorite. I can recommend the movie – it deals with mental illness and the treatment and mistreatment of it. But the end redeemed the movie!

Diane also brought me two houses for my house shelf. She has been helping a friend clean out a house for an estate sale and came across them. She remembered our plans to go to Newport this summer and thought they would be appropriate. I like the INN one the best!!!

I just got the mail and there was a letter from Mom’s neighbor Helen in Albion. Her neighbor wants to buy a book (Letters to Mary). She sent me her contact information so we’ll see if we can make this work!

March 28 – Tell about an experience at the doctor’s or dentist’s. “When very young I had swollen glands. Dad took me to see Dr. Smith in Plumville. Dr. Smith said they were at the place where they either got better or he would lance them. He said I was on the fence and could go either way. I came home and told everyone I was going to fall off the fence. :)”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Tuscany and the photo posted was a Tuscan countryside villa in wine country. Here are other pictures:

Calendar inspiration – When life gets messy, remember that better days will soon appear.

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TOMORROW March 29 is:

• National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day
• National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
• National Nevada Day
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day

I’m certain that something interesting is going on tomorrow in Nevada but I don’t have time to go see. Have a happy (and hopefully warmer!) Tuesday God bless…

Is it really spring? It was unseasonably cold today, with several bouts of blizzard-like squalls. On the way to church there were firetrucks and police cars blocking off certain ramps to Route 30, and we were forced off in a few spots. The Walworth bridge was a sheet of ice. I couldn’t tell if there was an accident at the other end, but I detoured through town to get to the church. I was sitting in the service and someone opened the door to the welcome center, and I couldn’t even see across the parking lot. But everything was salted and clear when I left to go home.

I went straight to Hunker to pick up Christina. She needed clothes for school. In the past year or so she has lost 26 pounds, being involved in sports and activities and just being busy. We went to Gabe’s first, and she got two pair of leggings, black jeans, a pair of shorts, a Champion sweatshirt, and a pair of SpongeBob boxer shorts to sleep in. She informed me that it was the newest thing to sleep in men’s boxers. I didn’t tell her I’ve been sleeping in boxers since about the 1990’s, so it’s not a new thing!

Chrissy also tried on a dress, although once she had it on she absolutely didn’t like it at all. I will admit that it wasn’t her style.

We had lunch at Panera Bread, and we both had cheddar broccoli soup. It was very good! I also grabbed two chocolate chip bagels for breakfast a few mornings next week. When we cut through Youngwood on the way home, we swung into the parking lot at the Corner Market and bought two boxes of Girls Scout cookies. I got Thin Mints and she got a new kind, a soft brownie with caramel, chocolate drizzle and sea salt. It was still snowing when I dropped her off.

Now I plan to write out a few notes, catch up on some paperwork, and maybe have a hot tea. As marvelous as the soup was, it did not agree with me. So I’ll make cautious choices for the rest of the evening.

I’m still basking in the delight of yesterday’s Skunk Hollow event. It was so fun. And I forgot to share the mysterious voicemail message left on my phone by an anonymous person (absolutely NOT my sister’s husband!!!) :

March 27 -Tell of a childhood illness. “Mumps bothered me the worst. The Chicken Pox were just an annoyance. Whooping Cough was a long illness but I wasn’t too bad. I hardly knew I had measles.” She went through them all!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was vacations for seniors as depicted by the photo posted. Numerous reasons were listed but it really didn’t convince me! But there’s probably no place that you could go that you wouldn’t enjoy! Here are their top suggestions:

Calendar inspiration today is from Snoopy:

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TOMORROW March 28 is:

• National Black Forest Cake Day
• National Something on a Stick Day
• National Triglycerides Day
• National Weed Appreciation Day

Oh my! I guess I could appreciate weeds. It gives me an eternal spring/summer/fall focus. An unending project! Have a great new week! It’s the last week of March. God bless…

March 26, 2022 – a fantastically fun day! It started out early with a snow squall that looked like a blizzard. I half expected phone calls that some wouldn’t make it – but SUCCESS!! Everyone came. And everyone brought yummy, wonderful food! We ate about 1:30pm – everyone was starving and couldn’t wait for Gwen at 3pm.

Karen V could not attend, as she was heading to the Eagles concert in Pittsburgh. Can you believe she threw us over for a couple of BIRDS? And Bonnie already had plans. But the rest of us made it and had a wonderful day. (We missed them!)

We were looking through the crate of Crooks family pictures and letters and post cards and documents and old books when Gwen got here. So then everyone decided we needed to keep her company eating and grabbed snacks and desserts. Except for Holly – she had a rule about waiting until 5pm. So at 10 after 5 she got food, and we all decided it was time for supper! So basically, we ate all day. We had egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, 3 kinds of rolls, chips and salsa, chips and crackers, macaroni salad, taco salad, cheese/cracker/meat tray, M&M’s, chocolate mocha cake, strawberry Jello pretzel salad, three kinds of gobs… That MAY be it – plus tea and soda and water.

Since we are all of common family connections, we really had a great time looking at our ancestry. Connie got ahold of an old reunion yearbook from Davis School (where my mom attended all her school years) and spent almost the whole time looking through that. Everyone found something that they connected with. Gwen agreed to take some of the items to the little Smicksburg Heritage Museum. Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford had already donated items there when they first opened so it made sense. It was rewarding to see our family so excited about their little treasures.

So — some of the topics of conversations were Holly’s two close brushes with death, Beth’s New Hampshire vacation, behind-the-scenes info of Gwen’s daughter’s shower and wedding. We talked about the last years and deaths of our parents and family, our grandchildren, my water issues and their amazing resolution, future outing suggestions for the group, ALWAYS have one or two discussions of faith-related issues, food (again, always!), things that make you go, ‘hmmmm.’ It was after 7:30pm when everyone left, and it was just starting to snow again. Praying that everyone traveled carefully and arrived home safe.

Holly regaled us with her ‘near death’ experiences and I had my traditional story to share. Lots of memories and laughter and fun.

I love these girls like sisters (well, Kathy IS my sister!) and cherish all the time we can spend together. So thankful for one of the biggest blessings that feeds my soul! God bless you, each and every one!

March 26 – Do you have any other good stories about being injured? “When I was 6 or 7 years old, I was ‘helping’ brother Jim make lead hearts & other things to make into a necklace. Some melted, hot lead spilled onto my foot. It burned so deep I couldn’t wear a shoe for 6 weeks. I still have the burn mark on my foot.” And I have the necklace that Uncle Jim made that day!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a series of places – Lighthouses of New England. Yesterday’s post was New London Ledge Light, Groton, Connecticut. A few other lighthouses (not all, of course!) are:

Calendar Inspiration – Our workday starts early – resolve to make it a good day!

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TOMORROW March 27 is:

• International Medical Science Liaison Day
• National Joe Day
• National Scribble Day
• National Spanish Paella Day

SO, Joe gets his own day. Hmmm. I have to say my handwriting is so bad I can easily celebrate National Scribble Day – but whatever, enjoy! God bless…

The beautiful sunny day turned into clouds and rain and got colder as the day went on. I was glad to get my groceries done in the morning and be home before it got uncomfortable. I was able to go down to the shed and get the folding table and check the mail between showers. At 7:30pm it’s 42* and no trace of the earlier sunshine. Tomorrow won’t be any better; I believe the weekend will be cold!

Once I got home I started mixing up the salads: Egg salad, Chicken salad, Tuna salad. Then I sampled each on a small piece of bread as a taste test. But after having all three in a row I lost my perspective and didn’t even have a favorite! I’m sure they will be fine.

Since I was already in the kitchen I mixed up some chocolate chip M&M cookies for Easter. They are tucked in the freezer so I don’t eat them.

So I did laundry, ironing, swept the floors (again), cooked, and paid bills. I guess that’s enough for today!

Today is the anniversary of my Dad’s death in 1985. He was 56 when he died. That was a long, long time ago, but there’s a lot I remember just like it were yesterday! I still miss him!

March 25 – Did you ever need stitches? “I should have had my lower lip stitched when I fell from the hayloft & hit the barn floor on my face. My lower teeth cut clear through my lip. Stitches, back then, were for ‘serious injuries.’ “

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Finland, and the picture posted was Suomenlinna – a perfect spot for picnics. A few other photos of Finland:

Calendar Inspiration – When things grow dim, guiding lights shine brighter.

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TOMORROW March 26 is:

• Epilepsy Awareness Day – Purple Day
• National Nougat Day
• National Spinach Day

Purple day! And I can assure you that no spinach was used in the planning of our Skunk Hollow event that will take place here tomorrow afternoon. A whole nine months until Christmas Day! God bless…

We had a good day and everything worked out just right. I worked both stores, then came home and picked up Kathy for our 3rd Fireside Chat at Compass Inn – Histories and Mysteries of Language. Emily Barth is so passionate and knowledgeable about the origin and evolution of words and language, and makes learning about it very fun. The two hours just fly by.

Before the lecture, though, Kathy and I met Carol, Sue, and Claudia at The Getaway Café, across from the old Ligonier Valley Beach right before Laughlintown. It was a lovely hour and a half of good conversation, good food, and good friends. I had a fish sandwich, and ate half. This is what was left! A huge thanks to Aunt Cordelia for treating me for lunch. It was twice as delicious. Love you!

The Café used to to be a type of hardware store, I think, and was a very cool place, with stone walls (inside), metal signs on the wall, and a heart shaped hula-hoop by the entrance. The waitresses were all very nice, as well.

After I got home I changed clothes and went for a walk. I haven’t been around the neighborhood for a while and it was good to be outside. I snapped a few photos of evidence of Spring!

And just a note – today is the anniversary of my friend Gen’s husband Zane’s passing. He is still loved and missed by his family and friends! Thinking of you, Gen, and your family. Love you!

March 24 – What bones have you broken and how? “I never have broken a bone.” Neither have I!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Greenland, and the photo posted was the Blue River. It looks so desolate! Here are more photos.

Calendar inspiration – A dependable partner doubles the enjoyment of work and lessens the load.  Thank your coworkers!  (Well, maybe….)

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TOMORROW March 25 is:

• National Lobster Newburg Day
• National Medal of Honor Day
• National Tolkien Reading Day

Tomorrow is also nine months until Christmas Day! I will spend tomorrow getting organized and making my food for Saturday. That will be enough to keep me busy. Have a great day! God bless…

I am watching HOME TOWN and listening to the wind – and Mom’s windchimes. There is a possibility of nasty weather this evening and tonight. I am praying for the safety of those around me and those I love!

Last night I made a Pillsbury recipe I found on facebook. The directions were not complete so I found it on YouTube. I generally don’t experiment with new recipes – even old ones!!! – but I’ve been hungry for tacos. It actually turned out ok but next time I would make a few adjustments. I will heat up some for supper when I’m done with this post.

Today was a typical cleaning day but got done in good time – mostly because I only took a few short reading breaks and no TV breaks! And for lunch I heated up a small bowl of mashed potatoes so that didn’t take any time at all. Now the house is mostly clean and I will only have to do light sprucing up for the weekend. Tomorrow is our third ‘Fireside Chat’ at Compass Inn so that’s fun to look forward to.

Here are a few more random pictures of the decorations.

March 23 – Which chore did you dislike the most? “I pretended I hated washing the dishes but I really didn’t. I didn’t like to gather the eggs as sometimes a mean hen or rooster would chase me & peck my bare feet & legs.” When Mom’s dementia progressed, doing dishes was the thing she liked best! We always had her do them when we could. So it was an ‘old love’ coming out naturally!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was actually a list of the best places to take a spring vacation. The picture posted was Durango Colorado. There are other suggestions:

Calendar Inspiration – Be open to new ideas; think outside the box!

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TOMORROW March 24 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
• National Cheesesteak Day
• National Cocktail Day

I love chocolate covered raisins – haven’t had any since I left Smail’s. They used to have a big container in the conference room. Tomorrow is also 9 months until Christmas Eve – Right, Bud? Have a great day – God bless…