This was a quiet, productive and comfortable day. After breakfast I started cleaning upstairs. Took a lunch break (soup!), then cleaned downstairs. That is always a challenge with the floors, but the house is clean. I ran a small errand after I did a load of laundry, and I will leave for the angel Bible study about 6pm. I couldn’t find last week’s posted online.

I took a few pictures in the kitchen so I could remember next year what I did this year. I may have posted them before, but that’s all the excitement for today, anyway.

Other than it snowed for a bit this afternoon. It’s very cold.

Memory book – December 8th: Tell about your favorite store to browse in as a child. “The only store in Plumville was the Douds General Store. When we went to shop in Indiana, PA, I liked Murphy’s 5&10. J.C. Penny’s had a tube that the clerk put your money into, when you bought something. It shot up to a secretary-bookkeeper on the mezzanine where she made change & sent it back down to the clerk. It was fun to watch.”

On this day in 1980 John Lennon was shot and killed; in 1967 Otis Redding recorded ‘Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay’ – he died two days later in a plane crash. Jim Morrison (The Doors) was born in 1943; Sammy Davis Jr. in 1925; Eli Whitney (inventor of the cotton Gin) in 1765, and Flip Wilson (‘The devil made me do it!) was born in 1933. John Glenn, astronaut, died in 2016. In 1872 Brigham Young married his 55th wife. UGH!

TOMORROW December 9 IS:

• National Pastry Day
• Weary Willie Day
• Christmas Card Day

My Christmas cards are done. I’ll consider making pastry – or at least eating some! Have a happy Thursday. God bless…

Today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Be sure and take time to remember that day, and the lives that were lost for our country. It was a horror to live through, but we must focus on the sacrifice to move us forward. God bless those who gave, and are still giving.

After work, I went Christmas shopping for a little while, then came home and made a huge pot of Stuffed Pepper Soup. I used red and green peppers – so it’s really Christmas soup! I just had a taster’s cup, and it was very good.

Basically I just want to take a few minutes to honor a friendship that began back in junior high – Youngwood Junior High, to be specific. Gen & I met in class, and had lunch together, and became fast friends. She was very outgoing and had lots of people around her all the time. I was in awe of the fact that she had six (SIX!!!) siblings, not to mention a Siamese cat! Wow…

But from there our friendship grew and bloomed, and we are still good friends today. We probably couldn’t be more different, but we respect each other’s choices and lifestyles and view, and always support and encourage each other. And share tears and laughter. I don’t know about her, but I learn from our discussions and am blessed by them – even if we don’t totally agree! She lives in New York now, so our time together is infrequent, but it is still and always precious and cherished. Happy birthday to my sweet friend Genevieve Elizabeth Cerk Morris!!! Love you!

I am unsure of the dates – most of them are NOT recent!

Memory book – December 7th: Do you have a Pearl Harbor Day memory? “Our family was my grandmother Margret Crooks, her oldest son Edd, my dad (Grandma’s youngest) my mother & us 4 kids. We were all at the table & Dad turned on the radio. The newsman was telling about the awlful attack on Pearl Harbor. That was the first time I remember hearing that name, Pearl Harbor. None of us ever forgot it from that day to this day in 2004.”

On this day in 1787 Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution; in 1941, Japanese navy planes attacked US fleet at Pearl Harbor Navel Base, Hawaii, killing 2,403 people. Harry Morgan, actor (Dragnet and M*A*S*H) died in 2011 at age 96. Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck and his nephews, was born in 1904 and Richard Warren Sears, co-founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company, in 1863. My cousin Gail’s granddaughter Autumn Patterson Ziegler has a birthday today. Happy birthday Autumn. Have a wonderful day and a very happy year! And of course, Happy birthday Gen!

TOMORROW December 8 is:

• National Brownie Day
• Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day

I am baking brownies on Friday for our Skunk Hollow Christmas party. I will celebrate then. Maybe I’ll PRETEND on Friday that it’s Wednesday! Have a great day – God bless…

Well, let’s see. What kind of adventures did I experience today? Nothing exciting, for sure! I had a medical test (routine/yearly) at the hospital this morning. As I had read online previously, the parking garage across from the hospital has closed – condemned and will be torn down. I walked along the sidewalk there to stay out of the rain, and it was creepy, like a spooky movie. It felt like it was going to just fall down right around me. Even the walkway bridge is closed. But I found my way to where I belonged, had my test, and went to see about getting my bloodwork done.

Normally, they said, I could get the bloodwork done at the hospital’s lab. But they were short staffed today, and the lab was closed. It really wasn’t that big of a deal, because there was a Quick Draw in the Commons across from the parking lot. So I did that (no use wasting a good fast). The technician could not find a vein in my right arm (I do have blood there; honestly!) so they tried the left arm, which worked. But barely. She still had trouble. So I have matching band aids on each arm, but thankfully no bruises.

But let me recap the last of yesterday. After I went with Nate, Jen and Chrissy to notarize something for them, we stopped at the Trailside Cafe for supper. Chris, Jen and I had salads, and Nate had a burger and fries. Jen had this frothy pink drink that looked cute in the glass! As we were driving out of West Newton I snapped a picture through the window of a little park right by the bridge. It looked festive and inviting.

Also, Kath sent me the picture that Paul took of her and I in the carriage house at West Overton Saturday night.

That was actually it for the day – I got stamps at the post office (used them all on Christmas cards!), worked at Pinnacle Jeannette, and come home to laundry and a little gift-wrapping. Next, I have ironing to do and then dinner!

Memory book – December 6th: Do you have any knowledge of how your first name was chosen? “My father always picked our names. I know my middle name, Jane, was his sisters middle name & he always told me I was given that because of how much he thought of her (Emma Jane Crooks Whitacre).” Now Millie has that middle name, too!

On this day in 1923 the first presidential address was broadcast on the radio by Calvin Coolidge; in 1964 Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was first aired on TV. The first photo of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ was published in 1933, and in 1865 the 13th amendment abolishing slavery was ratified. Wally Cox (voice of the cartoon UNDERDOG) was born in 1924; Agnes Moorehead (Samantha’s mother Endora) in 1900. St. Nicholas (model for Santa Claus – that’s why today was St. Nicholas day!) died in 343AD at age 73; Jefferson Davis – president of the Confederate States of America – died in 1889 at age 81. Roy Orbison died at age 52 in 1988 (sang Pretty Woman).

TOMORROW December 7 is:

• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• National Illinois Day
• National Cotton Candy Day
• World Trick Shot Day

Tomorrow is also my friend’s birthday. We will talk a little bit about THAT tomorrow! Have a happy day. God bless…

HCC was very Christmasy this morning – the setting, the message, the lesson. It’s so important to keep focused on the reason for the season; on God’s beautiful and precious gift. As Wayne pointed out in the sermon, we have a tendency (as Martha did in the very familiar story) to get caught up in the urgent and not recognize the significant.

Our Sunday school lesson was the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. The boys are very into Santa right now, and it was wonderful to be able to emphasize the God is NOT one of Santa’s helpers (yes, we discussed that!). JJ & Max took turns being the ‘messenger’ and bringing the good news to Mary (my co-teacher’s name IS Mary!).

So I will share a bit from yesterday evening’s event at West Overton – the Candlelight Christmas Tour was very nice. We watched an 8 minute movie about the Overholts and the Fricks and their rolls in Westmoreland County. We walked around the museum, including a small area set up to represent the 1940’s, and included photos and information about the war. Even the restroom was nicely done!

The main house had four rooms decorated for Christmas. The candlelight – although very ascetically pleasing – did make it a bit difficult to see everything. We will definitely come back to see the house in the daylight, probably in the summer. The springhouse was the first building on the property, and displayed the comforts of guests in later years, after the main house was built.

We went into the detached kitchen, where we tasted a ginger bread and had hot wassail (non-alcoholic), and learned about oven temperatures and open hearth cooking. The carriage house had Santa’s sleigh all packed and ready for the pick trip!

And earlier in the day I had stopped at L&L Fleatique. I enjoyed this winter scene that someone had painstakingly arranged. There were plates of cookies there, as well!

Since I don’t foresee anything more exciting for the rest of the day except writing out Christmas cards, I decided to post early!

Memory book – December 5th: Did you ever have a bad experience with a haircut or a permanent? “My neighbor in Greensburg gave me a home perm in May 1986. I was marrying John June 21st. My hair was so ‘permed’ I looked like a wild woman. My nephew’s wife, Bonnie Crooks, is a beautician. She treated my hair and set it for my wedding day. Thank you, Bonnie.”

On this day in 1848 US President James K Polk triggered Gold Rush of 1849 by confirming a gold discovery in California. In 1933 FDR issued a proclamation declaring the end of prohibition. Walt Disney was born in 1901; George Armstrong Custer in 1839, and our 8th president Martin Van Buren in 1782. My great-niece Rosie Gump is 12 today! Happy birthday, Rosie – have a great day! Love you!

TOMORROW December 6 is:

• National Pawnbrokers Day
• National Microwave Oven Day
• National Gazpacho Day
• St. Nicholas Day
• Miners’ Day

Don’t forget to leave your shoes out on the porch for St. Nicholas to fill! If they freeze you can heat them in the microwave oven. Have a happy Monday and a great week! God bless…

A lot going on today! After my weekly Saturday routine and breakfast, I pinned (literally) myself into 4 layers of 18th century clothing. It paid off, because other than my hands, I stayed warm enough to be outside in small increments. My task was to take the small group for each designated tour from the education center to the 1700s presentation (thus the 18th century clothing). I spent a few minutes taking about Hanna’s Town and what they would see on the tour. There were 3 tours scheduled for today.

Joanna and Belsnickel explained the traditions and celebrations that would have been observed during the late 1700s, including food and music. And if you don’t know, Belsnickel is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringer figure in the folklore of southwestern Germany and in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

Once that was done, Belsnickel led the group across Forbes Road to the new LeFevre house displaying the 19th century (1800s). Lisa and Claudia shared information about their celebrations and traditions. At the conclusion, Santa led the group back over to the Steele house for the next two centuries.

Kathy and Lilian each took half of the century (1900s) and explained celebrations. Lilian explained that the ornaments on the little tree were her family’s personal ornaments (brought over from Germany and France) – which she lovingly and carefully preserved from Christmas to Christmas in secure wrappings. I was particularly taken by the little wooden farm set, and by the tiny bisque doll in the buggy.

It was only a walk across the hall to the 21st century, which was of course more familiar to most of us. I not only had some of those decorations, but still have a few that I put out every year.

The gift shop was filled with beautiful crafts and items celebrating the season, and it was a good thing I left my purse in the car. Several of the little decorations on the shop tree were calling my name. Thankfully I could resist them.

After the tour and shopping, there was a ‘Christmas Past’ self walking tour on the paths among the buildings. Each sign gave details about a tradition related to our holiday celebrations. It was fun to walk around and find out when and who sent the first Christmas cards (can you believe Hallmark was eventually involved in the U.S.???), which President had the first Christmas tree, and how the term HOLIDAY came into being. So much fun information! Did you know that Christmas was the second most important and celebrated holiday? EASTER was first, Thanksgiving 3rd, and Halloween and July 4th tied for 4th. Just some facts…

It was a beautiful, sunny (if not chilly) day, and all of our groups thoroughly enjoyed the tours. Several stopped to chat with me afterwards and asked interesting questions. I was glad to interact. A few specifically mentioned the Civil War and I – of course – plugged my book and handed out business cards! An added bonus! Glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the program.

Memory book – December 4th: Were you ever in a life-threatening situation? “When your father & I went for a buggy ride & the horse, Dusty, got spooked. He upset the buggy with me under it. If Dusty would have run off he would have dragged me along with the upset buggy. I was very sore and lots of scratches but no bones broken.” (And you wonder why I preferred my Chevy to the horses!!!)

Not much of interest happened on this day – Dennis Wilson (Beach Boys) was born in 1944. Here is a quote from the history page: He drowned while swimming in Marina Del Rey, California; he should have stayed on the beach. (Poor Dennis….)

TOMORROW December 5 is:

• National Sacher Torte Day
• Bathtub Party Day
• International Ninja Day
• National Repeal Day

I DID have a cookie today – they provided lunch for us at Hanna’s Town, which included cookies. I also stopped at the open house at L&L Fleatique, and am going to a Candlelight Christmas tour at a local museum later. I will report on that tomorrow. Have a happy Sunday! God bless…

How can someone who is supposedly retired have so much to do? I seem to be busy all day most days. This morning I went out to Hanna’s Town to see Pam – she loaded me up with skirts and accessories to wear in layers tomorrow to keep warm. I will only be outside a few minutes at a time but I want to be warm! I’ll probably not be able to move once I have all those clothes on!

I stopped to get groceries on the way home – other than the Thanksgiving meal and Kelly/boys staying over, I haven’t really replenished in a while. Probably half of what I spent was on non-edible items. But my house and clothes will be clean!

I spent some time in the afternoon organizing my Christmas Card list, and also snapped a few pics of things I didn’t post yet.

I stopped on the way to the theater to pick up a raffle prize that I won at the family reunion in August. It was custom made/hand made. It is beautiful and will look wonderful in my kitchen.

Also took a picture of the stage at the Civic Center. I ushered for Bear tonight; it was a kid’s program: Matilda Jr. There were about 25 kids in the cast – and I have to say there was a lot of energy on the stage and even more in the audience. The show was almost completely sold out – first time since fall of 2019! Nice to have a crowd there again.

Here is a photo of the courthouse that I took on the way home. It’s always a lovely view across town.

Memory book – December 3rd: Do you have another good piece of advice for me? “Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”

On this day in 1926 Detective novelist Agatha Christie mysteriously disappears for 11 days. Ozzy Osbourne was born in 1948.

December 4

• National Cookie Day
• National Dice Day
• National Sock Day
• National Play Outside Day
• National Rhubarb Vodka Day
• Skywarn Recognition Day

Now I could really get into National Cookie Day – I’ll definitely celebrate that. And I will also wear socks and be outside part of the day! I’ll be at Hanna’s Town helping their their Three Centuries of Christmas program. I believe the programs are all sold out. They are vastly popular! Should be a fun day… Enjoy whatever celebration you choose! God bless…

I’ll recap yesterday and today both to get caught up! Yesterday I did a bit on the treadmill, then went to my wellness visit at Dr. Cole’s. They had the cutest ‘elf’ themed tree in their office. All was very good – but here’s the disclaimer: I still have to have my bloodwork done. I confessed my lack of responsibility on food choices – so we’ll see what happens.

I decided that I really liked the tablecloth on the kitchen table, rather than the table runner. More colorful and bright!

After paying my December bills, I changed clothes and headed over to Mary’s work: Penn Crossings Senior Living Center. The busses were HUGE! They were the kind that knelt so passengers could get on and off. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on an adventure and had the luxury of not driving (except for our Charleston vacation in June!). It was nice to be able to just chat and watch the scenery. The first stop was the Le Mont restaurant on Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh. The food was good but the views were better. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city!

From there we went to Shadrack’s Christmas Display at the Butler Fairgrounds. It was raining lightly and I think that kept the viewers away, as there was only one other car in the entire place except for our two busses. We tuned into the radio station that coordinated the music to the light show. It was a very beautiful show. Thanks, Mary, for including me in the invitation to join the group for the outing! We got home about 10pm – just about right for two busses of seniors!

Today I worked both stores, which weren’t too busy. I stopped to get gas in the car, deposit a check at the bank, and then mailed a package at the Post Office. After a bowl of Campbells veggie soup I got to cleaning. It feels SO GOOD to have a clean, organized house – even with the basement floor issues! I scrubbed that pretty good, too, so it’s at least an improvement. I’m listening to a Hallmark movie in the background. It was a rewarding and productive two days!

Memory book – December 1st and 2nd: More favorites: Bible Verse “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. Also, Philippians 4:11-13 (That last verse was part of our message on Sunday morning!). Pastime – I like to read. I like to go to flea markets & garage sales. Flowers to weed & shrubs to grow & bloom” (That is DEFINITELY MOM!!) As a youth, who was your favorite movie star? Why? Clark Gable – I didn’t see many movies but loved “Gone with the Wind.” He seemed so romantic!!! Gene Autry & Roy Rogers were some others I enjoyed. I liked them because they were always helping the ‘underdog.’

On this day in 1867 Charles Dickens gave his first public reading in the US; in 1957 Sam Cooke’s ‘You Send Me’ reached #1. In 1982 the Thriller video (Michael Jackson) premiered on MTV – most influential pop video of all time. In 1927 the Model A Ford was introduced for an approximate cost of $400. Britney Spears was born in 1981. Desi Arnaz died at age 69 in 1986, and in 1886 our 26th president Theodore Roosevelt married Edith Carow.

TOMORROW December 3 is:

• National Roof Over Your Head Day
• Faux Fur Friday
• National Bartender Day

It’s not the roof over my head that’s a worry; it’s the floor under my feet! Have a fabulous Friday! God bless…

Here it is, the last day of November. Tomorrow is December 1st, and we’re falling into the last month of 2021. A lot has happened this year, but that’s a discussion for the end of the year! I watched White Christmas while I was decorating the tree – and thought of Mom. (See yesterday’s Memory post.)

Work was light today, so I had plenty of time to hang ornaments and icicles on the tree and finally sweep the floor! I still move things around as I walk through the house – just because I’m suddenly struck with inspiration as to where something would look perfect.

Right now I’m half watching/half listening to The Nine Kittens of Christmas. It’s just a cute movie.

Tomorrow I have an appointment at 11am, then a Christmas outing with my friend Mary at 3pm. So if I don’t post tomorrow, don’t be alarmed. I’ll catch up on Thursday!

Memory book – November 30th: More favorites. “TV Show – No TV when I was at home. Later in the 1950’s I enjoyed the Andy Griffith Show – Perry Mason – Day of Discovery. Song – People will say We’re in Love; I’ll hold you in my Heart till I can hold you in my Arms (Eddy Arnold); You’re Something Special to Me. Color – Soft tones of brown. Now that’s I’m older I like mauve & deep pinks.”

On this day in 1753 Benjamin Franklin received the Godfrey Copley medal “on account of his curious Experiments and Observations on Electricity”. In 1982 Michael Jackson’s THRILLER album was released; in 1940 Millie Pearl made first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry (radio). Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874; Mark Twain in 1835; Dick Clark (American Bandstand) in 1929; Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables author) in 1874. In 2007 Evel Knievel died at age 69; George H W Bush (41st President) died in 2018 at age 94. Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) died in 2017 at age 87; Tiny Tim (Ukulele player/singer) died in 1996 at age 71, and in 1940 Lucille Ball married Desi Arnaz.

TOMORROW December 1 is:

• National Pie Day
• National Eat a Red Apple Day
• Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day
• Day With(out) Art Day
• Rosa Parks Day
• National Package Protection Day

Have a great day tomorrow – and I’ll catch up with you on Thursday! God bless…

I am knee deep (or actually forehead deep) in putting my tree together. Next the lights. But if I keep going it will be too late to post. So I’m just going to say Happy Monday and keep on going. All is well here – have a great week!

Memory book – November 29th: Tell your all-time favorites: “Food – ‘dippy’ egg sandwiches. Pizza, apple dumplings, home-made root beer. Book – When a small child I loved the ‘old’ 1st grade reader. Now I read mysteries & inspirational books. I also love history. My favorite books & stories are the ones you (meaning me) write. Movie: Gone with the Wind; Sound of Music, White Christmas.” Well, we are on the same page for sure with the movies! I miss my mom.

TOMORROW November 30 is:

• National Personal Space Day
• National Mason Jar Day
• National Mousse Day
• National Meth Awareness Day
• Computer Security Day
• Stay Home Because You’re Well Day
• National Mississippi Day
• National Day of Giving

Make sure to contribute to your favorite charity tomorrow, as most gifts will be equally matched. Some recommendations: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Ninth Life Rescue (Jen’s rescue). I’m so glad (???) that Mason Jars have their own day… 🙂 God bless…

Today was our minister, Mike’s, last sermon at Hempfield church. He is retiring and going to be an interim and fill in pastor until he decides what is next. It was a good message. Thanks, Mike, for 19 years at Hempfield Church and for 50 years in the ministry.

My house is SO dirty! Glitter and tinsel and dust and STUFF everywhere. I will be SO GLAD to get the house decorated and cleaned up! Only spent about seven hours on it today. I will finish up everything but the tree tomorrow. But I do have to work tomorrow, too. Today was the first Sunday of Advent – the lighting of the HOPE candle. What a comfort to focus on our hope – in the future and in Jesus.

I planned on having French Toast today – but forgot I didn’t have any milk. So I had toast and eggs instead. Same thing, different consistency! It was good, anyway.

Here are a few photos of today’s accomplishments.

Memory book – November 28th: Tell about the Thanksgiving traditions of YOUR youth. What foods were on your Thanksgiving table? “When I was still living at home we always butchered a couple pigs we had raised. Sometime around the end of November we all went to Grandmam & Grandpap Eakmans for a big meal. One year we ate one of the goats. YUCK!!”

On this date in 1895 America’s 1st auto race was organized by the “Chicago Times-Herald” – Chicago to Evanston and back; 6 cars, 55 miles, Frank Duryea won averaging 7 MPH. In 1984, over 250 years after their deaths, William Penn and his wife Hannah Callowhill Penn are made Honorary Citizens of the United States. In 1582 William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. Today is my sister’s best friend E. Anne’s birthday! They grew up together in HCC youth group. E. Anne was well noted for the fact that when we didn’t know what to do with something, E. Anne would hold it for us until we decided. She was great! Happy birthday, E. Anne. Keep holding! God bless!

TOMORROW November  29 is:

• Electronic Greetings Day
• Cyber Monday

Hoping if you have some cyber shopping to do you manage to get it done! Have a happy Monday! God bless.