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…

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…