I decided the best approach to the week was to spread the chores out and get a few things done every day. I worked both Pinnacle stores but no one called for extra title work – YEA! I stopped at Aldi’s and then at Ollies to get a deck umbrella. Long over-do. I’ll still try to fix the old one but not having much luck. Then I buzzed down to L&L Fleatique just to browse. Found a few interesting items – two things that I have kept since grade school and they had them there for sale. Nice to know they are of some value.

Refreshed the dryer load and folded clothes. A few things to iron which I will do after this. Also scrubbed the inside of the garage door and it looks much better!

Since I’m done decorating I took a few random photos of some of the little displays. I can enjoy them for several weeks.

March 22 – Describe some outside chores. “MOWING the YARD. PAINTED our FENCE that went all around the garden & yard. I think we (Hazel, Jim & myself) had more paint on us than the fence did. Milked a COW. Fed the CHICKENS & gathered the EGGS. Helped weed the GAREDN.” Kids today don’t even know what ‘chores’ really are!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Bar Harbor Maine and the picture posted was Air Tours.

Calendar inspiration – Spring breezes bring lovely surprises – the call of returning birds and rich scents.  Keep looking for good things blowing your way!

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TOMORROW March 23 is:

• National Chia Day
• National Chip and Dip Day
• National Near Miss Day
• National Melba Toast Day
• National Puppy Day 
• National Tamale Day

I can’t wrap my head around celebrating Melba Toast… Puppies, maybe! Chips and dip for sure! Enjoy. God bless…

Last night as I was getting ready for bed I noticed that the hill looked like it was on fire! I stood and watched for a few minutes and realized it was the moon rising. I was huge and orange! I took photos but only two really came out – one with flash and one without – once the moon had cleared the hilltop. I was just fascinated with watching it! Once it was up it changed to white.

I want to wish a beautiful birthday to my friend April – my ‘other daughter’! I miss seeing her and working with her. Sending you sweet wishes for a wonderful celebration and a great year! Love you!

Today was another run-around day – but all good (well, mostly good!). Worked in Jeannette and was heading to Mike P’s to drop off a deal when Nate txt me. Christina was not feeling well and needed a ride home. So I went straight to the school, picked up Chrissy (she got her hair cut and it looks wonderful!) then took her home. THEN went to Greensburg store, finished up there and stopped to give Mike G paperwork, then the bank. By then I was pretty hungry so I came home and ate lunch.

It was such a beautiful day that it was great being outside. I set up my outside projector (I use the Halloween one because it’s purple and orange dots, and looks ok for Easter, too). Then I put all the eggs around the yard, pulled weeds for about an hour or so, dug out a tree stump (it was rotted so no biggie), then filled the Easter Baskets with plastic eggs. I still have to do the window Stickees but wanted to get this done. Tonight is the last Gilded Age episode of season one but Kath is having issues with her TV stations so we may have to wait! Yikes!!!

While I was doing the eggs, I noticed that one of my purple hyacinths is almost full bloom! Most of them are up about 33 inches or so. No daffodils blooming yet. Then on the side of the house I noticed that an animal is digging through the mulch to the bare ground. It’s about a two foot circle. I’m hoping it’s not a skunk….

When I was done pulling weeds I filled all the baskets with plastic eggs and set them around the house. I saved out a few eggs for the kids to look for on Easter Sunday.

March 21 – Describe some household chores you had as a child. “As soon as I could reach the sink by standing on a stool I washed dishes. Hazel liked to dry better than wash. Set the table. Dad taught me how to sweep with the broom & get all the fuzz. We made our bed & sometimes the other 4 beds. I learned how to bake & cook when I was 8 or 10 years old.” I’ve been baking the homemade brownies since at least that age! A favorite!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Phi Phi Islands and the picture posted was of stunning scenery, which is what they are basically famous for.

Calendar inspiration – In this world of continual distractions, create a quiet personal space to relax and dream.

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TOMORROW March 22 is:

• National Bavarian Crepes Day
• National Goof Off Day
• National West Virginia Day
• National American Diabetes Association Alert Day
• National Ag Day
• National 3-D Day

If someone takes me to Bavaria I will have a crepe. Otherwise, I’m going to goof off tomorrow. I could do that without much effort! Have a great day! God bless…

It’s the first official day of spring. Mr. Winter was having trouble letting go, because it was cold and windy and rainy this morning – then sunny – then cloudy again; It’s 48* right now at 7:45pm. So Ms. Spring forgot to set her alarm and slept in. Maybe better tomorrow!

We had six kids in Sunday School, and I think they all fed off each other’s energy. They were all over the place! But they did do their craft and listened very well to the story. We talked about the Lame Man that Peter and John healed at the temple gate. I explained how he couldn’t walk, or work, and had to beg for money. Max said that wouldn’t be hard. All you had to do was say please! Oh, if only! We talked about it not being quite as easy as that…

I spent the entire rest of the day – until now – working on Easter decorations. It always feels overwhelming when I get the boxes out – I have five – and try to decide where things look the best. Sometimes I move things five or six times. I’m probably still not done moving them.

Tomorrow I will put up the outside stuff – bunnies and eggs, mostly – and put up the window stickees. I will also count out enough plastic eggs so I can put treats in them for the grandkids, then put the rest of the eggs in my baskets. I have every size from tiny to large. I also have plenty of eggs! I just need to get something to eat after this so I won’t get anything else done.

I’m still basking in the pleasure from yesterday’s beautiful bridal shower, and spending time with the Skunk Hollow girls. It will get me through a busy week!

A big happy birthday to my step-sister (in-law) Bobbie! She celebrated today by baking herself her favorite pie. I think that’s terrific. Have a great day, Bobbie, and a wonderful year!!!

March 20 – What do you remember as your favorite time of year? Why? “Summertime – because we could be outside. Even if we did have extra yard & garden work it was always a fun time. Also, we went to visit our grandparents & aunts & uncles in the nice weather.” I’m with you, Mom! I love summer best! Although in later years she loved fall best, I think.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was – Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, and the lake was the photo posted. Here are a few other things to see and do in Deep Creek.

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TOMORROW March 21 is:

• National California Strawberry Day
• National Common Courtesy Day
• National Countdown Day
• National Fragrance Day
• National French Bread Day
• National Single Parent Day
• World Down Syndrome Day

What are we counting down tomorrow? I’ll find something, I’m sure. And I plan to finish up with Easter decorating. Enjoy spring and a brand new week, with no mistakes in it! God bless…

It was warmer this morning than it is now. The sun was out for a few brief moments but there has been a drizzle of rain now and again. Typical ‘spring’ day! Kath picked me up about 10:15am and we went to a bridal shower in Delmont at Station House 7. The building was old and quaint and inside was a hidden jewel! I never knew it was there.

The shower was for our Skunk Hollow cousin Gwen’s daughter Tara, who is marrying Jacob in May. She looked stunning in her long white dress and dark hair! The beautiful wooden tables were dressed in elegant table runners and place settings. Even the name cards were sparkly. There was a coffee bar, a donut station, and a wine and punch bar that had sparkle drink bombs to drop into your glass to turn the drink a shimmery gold. Digestible glitter! We had fruit, yogurt, bacon, sausage, mini-pancakes, and bagels with choices of spread. Everything was a delight to the eyes and the stomach!

After brunch we went upstairs to round tables covered in white cloths and tall vases of wispy flowers. There was a photo ‘booth’ with balloons and fronds. The back corner was the dessert table, with a neon light, huge cake, and an assortment of cookies. We won’t have to eat for a week! The favors were little burlap bags with coffee bean soap inside. We played a few games (I am horrible at that and didn’t even try!), then Tara and Jake opened gifts.

Sitting at the table with the Skunk Hollow girls was an added bonus – as always – and we had a wonderful time.

March 19 – If you ever hitch-hiked, explain. “Never did – my brother hitch-hiked to see his girl friend. (Whom he married.)”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Longwood Gardens and the picture posted was the water lilies. Here are a few gardens that you can stroll through:

Calendar inspiration – Enjoy the quiet time between rest and action.

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TOMORROW March 20 is:

• National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Proposal Day
• National Ravioli Day
• World Flour Day
• Spring Begins 

So excited to see spring coming. It will be a little at a time, but it WILL come! Have a great day! God bless…

TODAY is my dear friend Bear (Barry Shirey)’s birthday! We’ve known each other since in the 80’s and I’m so glad to call him a friend. So happy birthday, Bear; I hope your day was wonderful! Wishing you years of blessings and health and love!!!

Tonight is the full moon, so I thought I’d post a photo. The interesting thing is that I took one with the flash on, and one with it off! And the stream from the jet was not visible when I looked at the sky. Also note the advancement of the jet! And what is that bluish-green spot in the clouds right above the tree line? UFO? Hmmm. Someone’s WATCHING us. ???

It took me all day to get through my chores list. I changed the flags from St. Patrick’s Day to Easter, switched my napkins to spring, cleaned the house and did laundry, and also dressed Miss Dottie in her spring outfit. She looks happy with her bouquet of daisies!

When I finally took a break and went for the mail, I found a large envelope from Dottie and Steve (my step-sister). I was so excited when I opened it up! She had taken all the information that Mom and John put together from records they already had and some research they did, as well as some sleuthing on her own, and put together the Graves Genealogy. It starts back in the 1100’s, and moves to present day. I was especially interested once I hit the section about Mary Cole (Crouch) and her family, and from there down to Charlie, who built the house John and Mom lived in. A huge thank you for everyone who invested time and effort, and for including our little branch of the family on the tree!

March 18 – Do you have any other memories of St. Patrick’s Day as a youth? “Our one room school had poems for us to read. We sang Irish songs.” It’s so cool to celebrate our heritage! And to help others celebrate theirs, as well.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Gros Morne, Canada, and the picture posted was Ten Mile Pond. I’ve never even heard of it, but the views are stunning! Here is more information:

Calendar Inspiration (note the full moon!) – Sometimes nature will surprise you with unexpected delight.  Look for it!

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TOMORROW March 19 is:

• National Backyard Day
• National Certified Nurses Day
• National Chocolate Caramel Day
• National Let’s Laugh Day
• National Poultry Day
• National Corn Dog Day
• National Quilting Day

A lot of nice things to celebrate tomorrow. We are celebrating Tara with a bridal shower and are excited to all get together! Have a wonderful Saturday, whatever you celebrate. God bless.

Well, it’s quiet here now. After all the fun and family of the last few days, it feels empty here. I love having the kids here. Kelly & I went to Gabe’s (No, I didn’t buy another blanket, but came close!!!) and then to Walmart for some of the boys’ favorites. We made cookies, and worked outside, and read books, brainstormed ideas, and even proofread my essay. Matt & Peyton came up for the trailer late Wednesday night and we ordered pizza. Matt, Peyton and Logan were outside working on the trailer’s faulty turn-signals until midnight (UGH!) and they were – at one point – having a disco-dance party to the blinking of the red lights in the middle of the road! Memories…

Today was very busy. I had 5 phone calls, three for title work and two miscellaneous. I went to work two different times! Made ANOTHER trip to Walmart to pick up a few things (about 5!) that we ran out of this week. I am taking a quiet evening (it’s already 8pm!) and then will start with cleaning in the morning and finish up the chores. I may have to go to work again…

Today being St. Patrick’s Day, I wore my one and only appropriate outfit. It will last forever if I only wear it once a year. Just fun to do that. But I’m not planning anything else for the day but answering one email and getting something light to eat.

March 17 -Did people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? “Yes. We would plan weeks ahead on what we could wear that was green.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Rehoboth Beach DE and the picture posted was Penny Lane Mall. Just a little of what’s in Rehoboth:

Calendar Inspiration – Transformation occurs so gradually, we seldom notice it.

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TOMORROW March 18 is:

• National Awkward Moments Day
• National Biodiesel Day
• National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day
• National Sloppy Joe Day
• National Supreme Sacrifice Day

I will make the supreme sacrifice of taking the day off! 🙂 Have a wonderful Friday! God bless…

Another beautiful sunny day, and I did get some sleep last night. Felt much more refreshed this morning. Kelly and I had breakfast together, mixed up a batch of cookie dough, then I went to my meeting at Hanna’s Town. I am on the committee for the Spring Tea. We got a lot covered and everyone has their assignments. I offered to iron the tablecloths and everyone was amazed. Almost no one irons any more! I will wait until the last moment (last week in April) so they look fresh. The tea was sold out two days after the notice went out. It’s very popular. The daffodils outside the Steele House were in bloom and looked bright in the beautiful morning sunlight.

After lunch Kelly and I finished the cookies. We used the candy cane recipe but made them into St. Patrick’s day snakes! They taste wonderful no matter what you call or make them.

I asked the kids to help me bring the lawn furniture up to the deck. If I do it myself it takes me so many trips. The four of us on the job made the task very easy. Thanks to my family for lugging it up the hill!

A big thanks as well to Hannah for helping me select the appropriate YETI for my needs. It came today and I’m excited to use it. 20 oz, Bimini Pink. It looks red in the picture but it truly is pink.

Matt & Peyton are coming up tonight to complete the landscape trailer transaction. We’ll order pizza and have a houseful overnight, for sure!

March 16 – Tell your major and how you chose it. – Again, Mom did not go to college. I think she would have had a career in medicine if she could have. She was always interested and always had a ‘treatment’ for whatever was ailing us – or at least a diagnosis!

Vacation destination for yesterday was Baja California, and the photo posted was a glass bottom boat tour. Other points of interest (but not limited to!) are:

Calendar Inspiration –  Day by day we work to make things better – Stay strong; everyone benefits!

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TOMORROW March 17 is:

• National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
• St. Patrick’s Day
• National Farm Rescuer Day
• Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 

My daughter loves St. Patrick’s Day. Have a great day, Kelly – ENJOY! And I know a lot of incredible kids so that’s an easy one. God bless…

The Ides of March! Beware! Well, I don’t think there’s anything to really be concerned about. (PS – happy birthday Michael Gregg!!!)

Kelly & I had breakfast, got showers, did laundry, worked on projects, fed the kids, fed the kids, fed the kids, — you get the picture! We also worked on little baskets for my Easter Sunday School lesson. It required some creativity and that’s not my strong suit, so she was here and I took advantage of her help. Now we will just add a little treat right before Easter and that’s done.

I could not fall asleep last night, and right about now I could fall over and sleep on my computer desk! It’s 8:30pm so it won’t be long until I can go to bed.

Matt called and asked Kelly to drive down to Irwin and look at a landscape trailer (to haul equipment). We took a drive down, and the house right across from the trailer was all decked out for St. Patrick’s Day. Kelly loved the whole yard thing so I thought I would share!

March 15 – If you went to college, tell which college you chose and why. – Mom did not go to college. She got hands-on education through her day-to-day life experiences!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Wetumpka AL – and I chose that because I have still been watching Ben & Erin on HOME TOWN and they did a series of shows about renovating the town of Wetumpka. So here are some interesting things to do and see there. The picture posted was of the Coosa River.

Calendar Inspiration – Get an early start on your day’s work.

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TOMORROW March 16 is:

• Everything You Do Is Right Day
• National Artichoke Hearts Day
• National Curl Crush Day
• National Freedom of Information Day
• National Panda Day
• National SBDC Day

My calendar says tomorrow is the start of Purim – Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an official of the Achaemenid Empire who was planning to have all of Persia’s Jewish subjects killed, as recounted in the Book of Esther.  We studied this in our Sunday School class last fall, and determined that Esther was a brave and Godly woman. Something to celebrate indeed! God bless…

Today is Pi Day. I hope whichever pie/pi you are interested in, it worked for you! I actually did neither. I had soup!

Nate and Dave came over before work and fixed the dryer vent. It was loose on the outside, so they straightened that up, too. So it’s all fixed now – and it is not only efficient but looks a whole lot better!

I did the work that was in Jeannette, then went through town to get stamps at the post office. I had heard that their new Mountain Flora stamps came out today and I needed stamps. I got a few birthday cards, stopped at the bank, and then went to Greensburg. Stopped at Mike P’s to pick up work there. I still got home in time to take a long walk before I ate lunch. Did laundry and looking forward to not only the next to the last episode (sadly – for season one!) of The Gilded Age, but also to Kelly, Logan and Chase later tonight! A full, fun week!

The snow is melting quickly as the sun hits it. I very much enjoyed my walk in the bright sun! When I’m done with this, I will write out the birthday cards, do some ironing, and maybe check into a little Sunday School craft project I’m thinking of for Easter.

March 14 – Do you remember your first pizza? “It was sometime close to when you (Marge) was born. We would stop in Indiana & get a couple pieces at 10 cents a piece. It had lots of cheese & a very tough crust. I always have liked pizza.” Dad did, too – he’d order it for half the neighborhood at the drop of a hat. We loved that!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Savannah GA, and the picture posted was the city market. We shopped and had lunch there after our bus tour. It was very hot but it was a great city! Here are way too many but not nearly all of the fun and interesting sites in Savannah:

Calendar inspiration – The only way to find something is to look for it.  Be prepared to find something new today and you surely will.

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TOMORROW March 15 is:

• National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
• National Kansas Day
• National Pears Helene Day
• National Shoe the World Day
• World Social Work Day
• National Equal Pay Day

There’s nothing on the list that makes me want to celebrate – but YOU do YOU! Have a happy Tuesday! God bless…

Well, JJ announced to the Sunday School class this morning that his brother Max asked Grace to marry him last week, and she said yes! We told them we were very excited for them, and there were two conditions. One was that we were invited to the wedding (they are 5 & 6 years old, currently…). Two was that Max had to have a good job first, so he could buy Grace a house and food. Max said not to worry – he had lots and lots of real coins! JJ thinks it’s about $71… Grace and Max are very happy, and think they may actually get married at the beach. Oh, young love! They are just too cute!

After church and lunch I mixed up some icing for the batch of scones that are in the freezer, then set about making cream of potato soup for Nate and Chrissy. I did a little taste test and it seems to pass the test!

As I was checking facebook after church I came across a post from Old Mahoning Baptist Church. This is the church my mom and her family went to for many, many years, and a lot of my family still go there. This morning Uncle Clifford was recognized for his 63 years of faithful service as a deacon in the church, and Aunt Joan for her countless contributions (not in the least of which is that she is a very accomplished pianist!). Congrats to both of them. Love you both – to the MOON and back!!!

I have some desk work to do this afternoon so I’m cutting this short. It’s still very cold I’m glad to be inside today.

March 13 – Tell about your first smoke. “I guess when I was in high school. I never smoked as none of us had money we wanted to spend on something we really didn’t enjoy.” Smart thinking!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was one of twelve beautiful destinations – and the one posted was Provence, France. Other destinations suggested are:

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Tomorrow March  14 is:

• National Children’s Craft Day
• National Learn About Butterflies Day
• National Pi Day
• National Potato Chip Day
• National Write Down Your Story Day
• National Napping Day

Everyone should write their stories! Put it down in a diary or journal. It’s a treasure. God bless…