I started on the treadmill this morning, reading Liz Bromke’s latest pre-release THE MANGER HOUSE (I’m an ARC reader; it’s not officially released yet). I just finished it, and it’s shorter than most of her other books, but tightly woven and very good – lots of funny moments and even more profound thoughts! I’ll write the review tomorrow and get it posted for her. She’s a great writer!

After breakfast I started my morning errands – I stopped at Home Depot and got a dehumidifier. Turned out that after all my extensive research, dehumidifiers are as scarce as hen’s teeth (exactly how scarce ARE hen’s teeth???). The only practical choice within 50 miles were the ones at Home Depot. I plan to turn it on tomorrow – it needs to run 24 hours non-stop when you start it. So I’ll be here to keep an eye on it.

I kept going toward Irwin, and stopped at Aldi’s first, then Walmart. I got everything I need for Thursday, but I may have to make another quick trip once Kelly gets here Monday. I don’t know what they’ll need. I did get flour so I can mix up Grama’s homemade bread in the morning.

Autmn, her friend Alex, and Lori stopped for about half an hour. It was good to see Autmn – I hadn’t seen much of her in weeks. Then I cleaned and cut up celery, made pepperoni balls for appetizers for Thursday, melted chocolate and made my favorite chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets with Christmas Sprinkles. Pepperoni balls and pretzels are tucked in the freezer. I’ll get something to eat, then finish the ironing. Tomorrow IS another day! More projects!

A fun thing was that I was able to log into my Frndly TV account on my tablet, and could watch/listen to Hallmark Christmas movies in the kitchen while I worked. What a perk!

Memory book – November 19th: What other names did you consider for me? “I don’t think we ever thought we would call our first daughter anything but Marjorie.” When I read the entries in this memory book, I would dearly love to ask Mom tons of questions about the entries. Or even what ISN’T in the entries!

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower reached Cape Cod and explored the coast; in 1805 Lewis & Clark reached the Pacific Ocean. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, and in 1965 Pop Tarts were created. James Garfield (20th president) was born in 1831; Calvin Klein (designer) in 1942, and Meg Ryan (You’ve Got Mail – actress) in 1942. Charles Manson died of natural causes at age 83 in 2017, and in 1834 Franklin Pierce (14th president) married Jane Appleton.

TOMORROW November 20 is:

• National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
• National Absurdity Day
• National Child’s Day
• National Adoption Day 

Well, THAT’s absurd! Haha. Tomorrow maybe I’ll write some – who knows? Maybe make a batch of cookies to freeze in addition to baking bread. Oh, and please support me in a special prayer for two separate and very dear people (families) who are going through a tough, frightening time right now. No names at this point, but God knows! Thank you. God bless!

I took a walk outside this morning. There was a beautiful sunrise – but that meant it would be a nasty day. Which it was – rainy and cold and windy all day.

I started down the street but there was a stray dog in the neighbor’s yard, so I turned and went the other way. I didn’t want any close encounters of a canine kind! I did see a robin hopping around my yard – several, actually. I think they may have missed the bus south a while back. Sure hope they’ve got reservations for the next one – it will be getting mighty cold mighty soon!

I worked both stores this morning, then stopped at my friend Diane’s to pick something up. She had a little Snoopy gift for me. It changes colors and it’s so cute! I will of course leave it out until after Christmas. I have a bobble head that I DO leave out all year. It sits on the window sill and nods at me all day!

I have been checking out dehumidifiers for my basement. I know it won’t solve the problem, but it will help over-all. I did NOT want a GE – but things are pointing that way. I looked at so many online that I feel cross-eyed!

Memory Book – November 18th: How did you choose my name? “Your father knew what he was going to call you the day you were born. Corene was the name of a movie star your father liked. The name suited you & so that is how you got your name. He never wanted anyone to call you Maggie. No one did until the song “I never see Maggie alone.” Bill Aughinbaugh (neighbor on Shady Lane) called me Maggie ALL THE TIME!!!

On this day in 1978 in Jonestown, Guyana, 918 members of the Peoples Temple were murdered or committed suicide under the leadership of cult leader Jim Jones. In 1920 Walt Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie’ was released, the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon. In 1989 Pennsylvania is first to restrict abortions after US Supreme Court gave states the right to do so. In 1997 Metallica released the album “ReLoad”. (This one’s for you, Nate-Dogg!) In 1948 KFC founder Colonel Sanders (58) wed his long-time employee Claudia Price. In 2000 Catherine Zeta-Jones married Michael Douglas, and in 2006 Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes. In 1886 Chester A Arthur, 21st President, died at age 57. Alan Shepard, astronaut, was born in 1923.

TOMORROW November 19 is:

• National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day
• National Play Monopoly Day
• Substitute Educator Day 

Tomorrow, for me, will include Diet Pepsi, and it will have Caffeine. I won’t play monopoly, but I will play ‘beat the crowds’ and try to get all that I need for Thanksgiving day’s meals! Have a great weekend. God bless…

I tried to keep my promise of being more exciting today – but it didn’t work. Sorry. I started – after breakfast – by calling the dentist for an appointment. Another loose crown; they will call me back with an opening. Then I emailed a friend who flips houses to get recommendations on a contractor to look at my basement issue. Just to see what they say. I also took time to message another friend – who is an electrician – to see about having 2 additional outlets put in my basement on a separate breaker. I keep tripping the breaker. I forget about the heater being on and try to sweep or iron. Separate outlets will help in that regard. He agreed. I also want to run electric to my outside shed. So we’ll see how difficult that will be. He says ‘simple’! A lot going on.

I cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, and cleaned up all the leaves in the front/back yards. That should be that last of them; the trees are bare.

Also paid a couple of bills. That is never fun…

Went to Bible study. Tonight we were learning about the fall of Lucifer. It was very interesting, and raises some interesting concepts. I should write down my questions so I don’t forget to ask God about the answers when I get there!

Had a tuna salad sandwich for supper, and that’s my day. The moon is bright even though the full moon isn’t until tomorrow.

Memory book – November 17th: Tell about the day I was born. “It was a Sunday. Father’s Day 1950. We were having a thunder storm. Couldn’t get Doctor Blackburn on the phone. We drove to his office & read the note that said to call Dr. Thomas or go to the hospital. We went to the hospital where they told us Dr. Blackburn had broke his arm. Dr. Thomas was the doctor you had.” Funny that I don’t remember that. (hahaha)

On this day in 1997 Mario Lemieux entered the NHL Hall of Fame; in 2003 Britney Spears was the youngest singer (21) to get a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In 2004 K Mart Corp bought Sears, Roebuck, and Co. and named it Sears Holdings Corp. In 1869 the Suez canal opened, and the NRA was founded in 1871. Toto, the dog from the Wizard of Oz, was born in 1933; Rock Hudson, actor, (Pillow Talk) in 1925. Lyndon B Johnson married Claudia Taylor in 1934. Blake Shelton married Kaynette Williams in 2003.

TOMORROW November 18 is:

• National Princess Day
• National Vichyssoise Day
• Mickey Mouse Birthday
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day
• Great American Smokeout
• National Rural Health Day

Mickey Mouse’s birthday is worth celebrating! And so is being a Princess. Celebrate! I have to work in the morning, then I’m not certain. But have a great day! God bless….

Early treadmill – it was still cold and dusky outside. I did a few chores around the house, waiting for the insurance adjuster. She was looking at an issue in my basement. That’s still up in the air. I called the sewage authority and they checked things out, but it’s all safe and clear. So now to find the next step. One thing at a time – and I DO have time to figure it out. Lucy had good advise…

I grabbed a slice of meatloaf for lunch, then did the ironing. I was scrolling through old facebook memories and came across this one – 8 years ago! They were so little and life was so simple. Or was it? Seems like there are always twists and turns, no matter the age or time. But the picture made me smile.

I got my COVID booster, and so far all is well, other than a little ache at the injection site. I stopped afterwards and did a few things at Pinnacle Jeannette.

I noticed yesterday that South Greensburg had their street decorations up. As it was daytime they weren’t lit. But it’s coming around that time of year! (See 1979’s day in history!)

I have been cuddling under my ‘Thanksgiving’ blanket It’s 9 days away!

Memory book – November 16th: Tell the full names, birthdays and birthplaces of all your children. “Marjorie Corene Steiner 6/18 Westmoreland Hospital. Kathleen Louise Steiner 12/29 Westmoreland Hospital.” Easy enough!

On this day in 1979 Paul McCartney released “Wonderful Christmas” (or Wonderful Christmastime); in 2010 an engagement was announced between Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton; and in 1907 Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state. Clark Gable died in 1960 at age age of 59 (Rhett in Gone with the Wind).

TOMORROW November 17 is:

• National Butter Day *
• National Baklava Day
• National Take A Hike Day
• National Homemade Bread Day
• National Educational Support Professionals Day 

I will probably have a slice of homemade bread with some of Deb’s soup tomorrow. I won’t take a hike (except possibly on the treadmill) because I have a full schedule tomorrow. Enjoy your day! God bless…

It is so cold today! I was thankful for the treadmill as I don’t like being outside in the cold and wind. I mixed my day up a little. First I loaded up the bins and totes in the Mazda, then headed to Hanna’s Town kitchen. Claudia and I spent about three house cleaning off shelves, the fridge, and little nooks and crannies. I didn’t take many pictures but it looked really good when we were finished.

From there I went to work, Greensburg first. Deb dropped me off a container of minestrone soup. That will be tomorrow’s lunch. I went from there to Jeannette. Later I have some paperwork to do for Dave (the other ‘B’ in B&B Windows…). I also started a load of laundry, and which included kitchen towels and aprons from Hanna’s Town. I will iron later.

So that was the extent of today. We’ll see if I can dig up a little more excitement tomorrow!

Memory book – November 15th: Tell about the most serious problem or challenge you faced during your early years of marriage. “Like most young couples we had to learn how to budget our money. I did get homesick the first couple years. We didn’t have a car & we didn’t get to see my family too often.” I can only image how that would be. So far away and no way to see those you love. What a transition! God bless my little momma!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus noted the first recorded reference to tobacco – see what he started? In 1620 Myles Standish lead 16 men in a foot exploration of Cape Cod; in 1777 the Articles of Confederation – 1st constitution of the US – was approved by the Continental Congress. In 1864 Union Major General Sherman left Atlanta on his ‘March to the Sea.’ In 1956 Elvis Presley’s film debut ‘Love me Tender’ premiered, and in 1969 Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy’s hamburger restaurant. Roy Clark – country singer/HeeHaw host – died in 2018 at age 85. Ed Asner, actor, was born in 1929. Heather Bath is celebrating a birthday today, and my cousin Allen’s wife Bonnie also has a birthday today. Happy birthday, ladies! Enjoy your day, and have a wonderful year!

TOMORROW November 16 is:

• National Check Your Wipers Day *
• National Fast Food Day
• National Button Day
• National Indiana Day

Indiana PA or the state of? Hmm. Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

It was a very cold, blustery day. The kind that Winnie the Pooh would undoubtedly comment on! A few flurries but nothing notable. I had a few chores to do – one being to spray paint a flag trivet I had tucked away and thought I should either use it or donate it. I’m trying to use it.

I had been looking for a couple of months for new black sink mats for the kitchen. I finally gave up and ordered them online, and they came today. I think they look really nice. The old ones were about 8 years old, and stained and curling up and I couldn’t get them clean. Happy happy!

JJ & Max were so crazy in Sunday School. We learned about Daniel eating healthy food. JJ & Max wanted none of that. Max wasn’t too bad – he wanted M&M’s and donuts and lobster! JJ just wanted donuts and NO FRUIT OR VEGETABLES – AT ALL! So Max may have survived Daniel’s healthy eating request, but JJ probably would not have! Of course for snack (after giving them Honey Nut Cheerios that met with some distain) was York Peppermint Patties and Reese’s PB cups!

I had a piece of meatloaf for lunch, then made Chocolate Chip Cookies with red and green M&M’s. I’ll freeze them for Christmas.

Memory book – November 14th: What qualities in my dad did you try unsuccessfully to change? “I encouraged him to stop smoking & he never could break the habit. He loved to eat & could never seem to understand how it was hurting his health.” I remember that very well! He loved life fully and happily – but it was not nearly long enough.

On this day in 1851 Moby-Dick was published, and in 1883 Treasure Island was published. In 1896 Niagara Falls power plant began operation, and in 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt visited Panama (if you saw Arsenic & Old Lace, you will get the connection – CHARGE!). In 1914 the first airplane flight from the deck of a ship was in Norfolk, VA. Claude Monet was born in 1840; Condoleezza Rice in 1954 (I got to see/hear her in person. She is an intelligent, amazing woman!). Charles, Prince of Wales & heir to the British throne, was born in 1948; Brian Keith – heart-throb in Parent Trap!! – was born in 1921; Mamie Eisenhower – first lady – in 1896; Robert Fulton (born in PA!) – inventor of the steamboat – in 1765. In 1532 King Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn, and in 1855 J E B Stuart married Flora Cooke; he was a famous Confederate general.

TOMORROW November 15 is:

• National Bundt (Pan) Day
• National Philanthropy Day
• National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
• National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day
• National Raisin Bran Cereal Day
• America Recycles Day

I don’t have to clean out my fridge – there is currently almost nothing in it! Hoping to clean out some shelves at Hanna’s Town tomorrow – that will have to do. Have a happy week. God bless.

I did not walk outside, but I was busy and on my feet all day. Even took a ‘dance’ break to Brad Paisley singing “Santa Looked a lot Like Daddy” around 5pm. That got my blood pumping.

Changed bedsheets and washed/dried them. Shower and breakfast, after which I had to go to the bank and then return something at Walmart. It was strange to walk out of there without buying anything! Very rare, indeed. It was really snowing when I left – those little pellets that look like driveway salt! Brrr. Then I came home to find my neighbor mowing his grass in the snow – in shorts! I have NO idea….

I stopped at the St. Paul’s Parish Christmas Craft sale. Everything was half price. I spent $3.00. I just have enough of everything that I need. Except patience. And energy. And cash. And maybe ice cream…. I bought a snowflake trivet.

After lunch I got busy baking. I made cinnamon rolls with yellow icing for Thanksgiving dessert, as well as candy cane cookies disguised as wreaths. Those are the kids’ two favorites. Kelly is bringing apple pie from a fundraiser of her friend. So we’re set. After I got the kitchen cleaned up I mixed up a meatloaf and it’s in the oven. It should be done by the time I finish this. It really smells good…

I changed the lights in my cookie jar, and put white star lights in. I took two pictures; one in the daytime and one in the dark. Then I put the lights from the cookie jar on the little pine tree by the deer. That will be nice for the holidays.

I’m worn out, and done for the day – except for this and dinner! It’s no secret that the kitchen isn’t my favorite place.

Memory book – November 13th: What was your job at the time? “I stayed home & was the typical 1948 housewife.” We are so busy these days, working and obligations and even kids – can’t imagine what kept her busy at home alone all the time!

On this day in 1789 Ben Franklin wrote: “Nothing … certain but death and taxes.” In 1865 the US issued the first gold certificate, and in 1987 Sonny & Cher performed together for the final time (I Got You, Babe). In 1875 the first football game was played with uniforms: Yale & Harvard. Robert Louis Stevenson (wrote Treasure Island) was born in 1850 and Whoopi Goldberg in 1955.

TOMORROW November 14 is:

• National Seat Belt Day
• National Family PJ Day
• National Pickle Day
• National Spicy Guacamole Day

Looks like the only thing I’ll celebrate is wearing my seat belt. Maybe I’ll celebrate being able to go to Church! That is a blessing! God bless…

Back to work! I took an early walk around the block. I noticed that my neighbor behind me has his yard and house all decorated for Christmas, complete with the Christmas tree decorated in the front picture window, pine garlands around the porch railing and windows, and several lawn ornaments. It looks very festive – but I’m not ready for that quite yet. I moved the bags of leaves to the curb, as my leaf pickup is tomorrow at 6am. There were tons of leaves in the yard and on the driveway. Might be a task for tomorrow if it doesn’t rain…

There was a fair amount of work to catch up on, since I was out all week. Glad to have everything back in order. I stopped and picked up a few groceries on the way home, and got a few for Kathy and Paul, as well. I barely had time to grab something for lunch and had to pick up Chrissy for football. From there we went over to the Grandview Fire Hall, where Jen was setting up for the Ninth Life flea market that is tomorrow and Sunday 9-4. You cannot believe how much they have there. I bought a little package of note cards, 2 purple soup bowls, and a beautiful lantern. I couldn’t believe it was marked for $1. I scarfed it right up and brought it home and scrubbed it. Very excited.

I changed the batteries in the lights on the tea tray in the living room. It looks so quaint and appealing. I love that little tea set! Thanks, Aunt Darlene! And the tray was from Gen, several years ago. Today’s Snoopy is SO RIGHT!!!

Scheduled my COVID booster for next week… Also rescheduled our Hanna’s Town kitchen organization for next week, as well. The week is filling up.

My niece Sarah had her baby last night – Wyatt Adam! He is an adorable little guy – and Sarah looks like she didn’t lift a finger! So happy for the family. So much love and blessings abound.

Memory book – November 12th: Tell about where you lived when first married. “We lived in a front apartment on Pittsburgh Avenue for 1 month. We moved to a 1 room apartment in Wagaman’s big Farm House.” (That was in Youngwood, PA.)

On this day in 1880 the best selling novel ‘Ben Hur: a Tale of the Christ’ was published; in 1890 ‘Poems of Emily Dickinson’ was published. In 1966 Buzz Aldrin took the first ‘space selfie’; in 2018 former first lady Michelle Obama’s memoir ‘Becoming’ was published. In 2019 Disney launched Disney+, and in 1954 Ellis Island closed. Charles Manson was born in 1934; Brian Hyland, singer, (Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini, and The Joker Went Wild — both my favorites!) was born in 1943; Grace Kelly, actress and the Princess of Monaco, was born in 1929, and Neil Young, singer, was born in 1945.

TOMORROW November 13 is:

• National Indian Pudding Day
• World Kindness Day

Please please go out of your way to be kind to someone. We don’t really need a national ‘day’ to do that; we should do it every day. But certainly do it tomorrow! God bless…

Veteran’s Day. A beautiful day to be thankful! There are lots of people in my family that served, and I’ll name a few here: My Dad, Cliff Steiner. My uncle, Sid Steiner. My uncle, Jim Crooks. My uncle, Gene Cornman. My grandfather, Jess Crooks. My step-brother, Dick Graves. My step nephew, Daniel Graves. My cousin John Steiner. Also, my cousin Beth’s son-in-law Daniel Sandoval, and my cousin Gail’s grandson Andrew Patterson. Daniel Crouch – check out LETTERS TO MARY to find out his story. Friends, family, neighbors – even strangers – helped to shape this country and keep is safe. Thank you, every one!

Again, thanks to all who have served and are serving. God bless you all!

I started the day with an outside walk – and Dottie was sweeping her flower bed with a whisk broom. It’s really important that the stones maintain their integrity… But it was a nice morning for a walk. The neighbor across the street is getting a new roof – had a nice chat with the contractor about the benefits of a metal roof over traditional shingles. I’m not quite ready for a roof yet, but it (unfortunately) won’t be too long!

I spent the morning blowing and raking leaves. I have quite a stack of bags for Saturday’s pick up. I cut the grass when I finished leaves, but I wasn’t inside 10 minutes when the wind picked up and it barely looked like I had raked or mowed at all. Alas. That would be fall!

The other day I explained about cancelling my order for a paper towel holder through LTD, and reordered through Amazon. It came today, easy to assemble, and it looks wonderful on my sink. Matches my scrubee holder perfectly!

Finally got the OK to re-enter the real world! PCP verified that if I had no symptoms after 6 days I could go out, wearing a mask around people who may be compromised health-wise. So I will return to work tomorrow, happily!

Memory book – November 11th: Do you have an Armistice Day memory? “At school we would all bow our heads at 11 minutes after 11 on the 11th day of the 11th month and remember that day the armistice was signed to end the war.” I wish schools and work places would do that now! We’ve gotten away for paying honor.

On this day in 1921 President Warren G Harding dedicated the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery; in 1939 Kate Smith first sang Irvin Berlin’s ‘God Bless America.’ In 1982 the Vietnam Memorial was dedicated; in 1620 the Mayflower landed at Cape Cod and the Pilgrims wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact. In 1889 Washington became the 42nd state (first state to be named after a native-born American). Typhoid Mary died in 1938; and in 1858 the 20th President James Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph. George S Patton was born in 1885; Leonardo DiCaprio, actor, in 1974, and my ‘violet’ cousin Deb’s daughter Emily is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Emily!

TOMORROW November 12 is:

• National French Dip Day
• National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
• National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

I am excited to go back to work tomorrow, and to also hear the news of my niece Sarah, who will be ‘birthing a baby’! Praying for both Sarah and her baby Wyatt – plus daddy Kyle and big sister Millie! God bless!

After my mile on the treadmill, I grabbed a cup of hot tea and headed to get tested. When I called from the parking lot (procedure!), they said they couldn’t put anyone else on the list as they were so far behind. I explained my situation and the staff person said that she really didn’t think I needed to be tested since I haven’t had symptoms and exposure was Friday. She recommended calling my PCP for verification.

SO… I called, but they weren’t taking calls – recommended the member portal to send a message. I did that, and they responded with another question. That was at 12:06pm. It’s now 5:23pm and no more correspondence. So I’m waiting it out, but it looks like I’m fine and don’t have to test. I will wait to hear from PCP before venturing out.

In the meantime I’m getting things done. I cleaned the house, top to bottom. Washed a load of towels. Fixed an issue with the kitchen floor. Scrubbed an antique suitcase (I could probably hide a small person in it!) that I pilfered from the farm in August. I think it’s from sometime around the turn of the last century. It’s now under the Crooks room bed, used as a spare pillow storage.

I also finally put the car in the garage. I heard it sigh, I swear I did! Happy Mazda, happy Marge!

While I was cleaning the trunk (suitcase) Dottie and Torilyn were staining their deck. It actually looked like they were behind bars. Their dog Milo kept getting in the paint…

I am hoping to possibly get back to work on Friday if I get the OK. And I’m thinking that tonight’s supper will be a salad. My next project will be outside (this weekend) – to clean up the leaves in the front yard again.

Memory book – November 10th: Did you go on a honeymoon? “We bought bus tickets to go to Niagara Falls. We rode to Indiana on the bus & hated it so we cashed in our bus tickets and came back to Greensburg. We didn’t tell anyone we were back until someone noticed our apartment light was on.”

On this day in 1911 Andrew Carnegie formed the Carnegie Corporation for scholarly & Charitable works. In 1951 the first long distance call without operator assistance was placed. In 1969 Sesame Street premiered on PBS; in 1977 Louise Brown (first test tube baby) was conceived; and in 1775 the US Marine Corps were formed during the Revolutionary War. Martin Luther was born in 1483, Richard Burton (actor and one of Liz Taylor’s many husbands – married him twice!) in 1925, and Miranda Lambert – country singer/songwriter- in 1983. Chuck Connors – the RIFLEMAN – died at age 71 in 1992.

TOMORROW November 11 is:

• National Sundae Day
• Veterans Day

Be sure to thank a veteran or active duty service person tomorrow. My dad, Cliff Steiner, served in Korea, and Daniel Crouch – PA 82nd volunteers, Company D, – Civil War. Read about Daniel’s story in Letters to Mary! God bless. Thank you, Dad; Daniel Crouch; Daniel Sandoval; and countless others! God bless them, every one! Photos tomorrow!