Merry Christmas. I hope you are enjoying all the wonderful things around you – people, places, music, love, friendships — whatever makes you smile! We just got a group email that one of our Skunk Hollow cousins got engaged! That is very exciting and I’m very happy for both of them.

I haven’t seen the ring so I don’t know what it looks like!

It’s quiet here right now – has been all day. But I’m going to Nate’s later, and his whole family plus several friends will be there – so I understand it won’t be quiet! I just finished making brownies for dessert. I wanted to ice a few of them, and when I touched the tops to check on them — apparently they weren’t cool enough because I got chocolate chips all over my hand!

Brownies

I guess it wasn’t cool enough….

Once the brownies were done and put in travel containers, I melted down some white chocolate and covered the rest of the holiday Oreos (not mint). Melted enough to cover a few mini-chocolate chip cookies, too.

White chocolate covered.

I did several loads of laundry this morning, scrubbed the kitchen floor, did dishes several times, picked up the Pack n Play from Autmn’s mom’s house at 9am, wrote some emails, and changed the batteries in two light sets. I have The Christmas Train playing in the background for company.

Last night Autmn’s family stopped here to get Cameron a bath. They were staying at her mom’s overnight and all they have are showers. All he wanted to do was play with his barn and the mailbox with the snowball in it. This morning Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron opening his gifts – she said it was chaos there for sure. But they all had fun.

It’s a wonder he can see with all that hair…

Cameron’s GRINCH PJ’s – see the mailbox to his left?

Chaos at Autmn’s Mom’s

After I picked up the pack n play, Noah, Autmn and Cameron went to his mom and step-dad’s for lunch and part of the afternoon. Again, more gifts, and it looks like he was enjoying the frog! I could use a turn at whacking something….

Whack-a-frog….

So I have to do a bit of ironing and I’m done for the day. I had (have) plenty of time so I’m just lazing along. Have a wonderful holiday celebration – sending Christmas hugs and wishes.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 26th is:

National Whiners Day; National Thank You Note Day; National Candy Cane Day; Boxing Day; Kwanzaa; National Homeowners Day.

I love owning my home – except when I have to weed the hill. No candy canes, please. I try not to whine but it happens. If you do get a box, I hope it’s pleasant. God bless…

It’s 6:45 and I have a bit of time before it’s time to go to Kathy’s for supper. Our service at HCC was at 5pm, and there’s at RHCC is at 7pm. So I’m catching up with a few things while I’m waiting.

candlelight service

I just finished drying a load of towels so I’ll fold them when I’m done with this. And I still hope to do my Christmas Eve Email Letter after that.

I spent the day cleaning and catching up on a few things. Other than our Candlelight Service I didn’t leave the house. When I went to church, it was crazy with traffic and full parking lots up and down Route 30. When I left the church, it was dark by then, and there were only two restaurants open, all the stores were closed, and way fewer cars on the highway. I always love driving home from Christmas Eve Service – it’s so quiet and peaceful. Just a sliver of moon and Christmas lights. I even drove around the neighborhood to see the lights – as I haven’t done that yet.

Stock image

Mary gave me my gift after church – it’s a beautiful hand-made snowflake mug! I love snowflakes! I’ll have my breakfast tea in that on Christmas morning!

And I also changed the postcard in my little display frame. I’ve had that frame since high school (I’m surprised, because it’s glass, that it survived so many years!). I had a snowman in it, and changed it to a snow-scene barn. I’m excited about that!

There’s really nothing else to report – so I’ll close for now. Have a very happy Christmas Eve and a very Merry Christmas! Love to all – you mean so much to me!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 25th is:

NO ‘L’ Day; Christmas Day; National Pumpkin Pie Day; Jesus’ Birthday

Celebrate Christmas – the birth of our Savior! God bless…

Here we are — Christmas Eve Eve! I had chores and errands lined up all day. It started with having my friend Dom V come out and look at my kitchen drawer, which broke a few weeks ago. It had been lop-sided for about 10 years but I just put up with it. When everyone was here on Sunday Peyton found the problem but it needed new parts so we couldn’t fix it. Dom is the contractor who installed the new kitchen back ‘when’ so he brought the parts and fixed it in no time. I think my cousin had something to do with the whole thing because Dom didn’t charge me! And he fussed over the kitchen, saying that the cupboards have been discontinued — now you can only get those in custom orders! He even took pictures! So it was a good start to the day.

I went to work after that, and checked on a license plate that that had me concerned. Turned out that was all good, as well, so I headed over to help Mike P with something. After lunch I popped over to Aldi and Walmart (which would have been a mistake if I had other things going on today, but I didn’t!). Traffic and people were crazy busy but all went well.

Sample plate.

BIG NEWS if you haven’t heard it. HALLMARK just announced that they are partnering with Biltmore again and will being shooting a new movie in January for the 2026 COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS. ‘Winston’ will reprise his roll but the main characters will be different, as will the story line – adding a little magic to the story. I’m very excited! There were several articles on Facebook about it today.

The two new stars for the 2026 movie.

Right now I’m watching Window Wonderland while I type this, and just had a bite of Ritz and cheese to hold me over until supper later. And that will be it for me today.

Oh! But Nate got a great report from his doctor this morning. He’s been released to do everything except for heavy lifting. So he’s excited to get back out and start doing things again – and being able to drive! I’m so happy for him, and know God’s blessing has been on us.

Picture from 2024 – I never got any pictures from Sunday!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 24th is:

National Eggnog Day; Christmas Eve; Last Minute Shopper’s Day; National Consumer Rights Day.

Not an eggnog fan. I hope to get the house cleaned and get to our service at HCC which is at 5pm. I don’t plan to do any shopping – today was tricky enough! God bless…

Yesterday was a success! It does feel like Christmas is past, though. It was very much a celebration with family and fun. Everyone was here except for Christina’s friend Anthony (he had to work!). I had snacks sitting out all afternoon and we really made short work of those. About 4:30 we had pizza and salad (and Veggie Pizza thanks to Jen), then plenty of cookies for dessert.

JOY of being a kid at Christmas!

SNOWFLAKE Cameron

Cameron had a great time – and it took a crew of at least five people to keep up with him all afternoon. He loved his family gifts – a barn with shape-sorter animals, and (from Kelly’s family) a reusable sticker book that creates scenes. We were all playing with them. Ransom came up and joined in the fun – he’s a good dog and was no problem but fun to have here.

We all slept good on Sunday night!

Playing with his barn.

Peyton brought Izzy (whom I had met several times) and I finally got to meet Logan’s girlfriend Clairese. Both girls are sweet and fun and just perfect the their guys! So happy to have them here. And the Steelers won, so that was Matt’s Christmas present (even though it was a very close call at the end!).

Autmn sent me a picture Saturday night on their way in – they stopped at PPG place to show Cameron the tree. He loved it! I asked him about it and he told me it was blue!

PPG Place Noah and Cameron

Beth txt me that she was in Williamsburg for a few days – and sent me a photo of a Colonial door (their Christmas Decorations Walking Tour is amazing!). I said (Jokingly) that I’d go next time – and she sent me a picture of their accommodations! Ha!

Williamsburg wreath

Did they really stay here? Hmmmmm……

Kath’s email said her bloodwork was great, and PCP appointment said she was doing perfect! So that’s a blessing for sure. And Nate has his appointment in the morning.

Both Kathy and Nate.

Cameron decided he was going to use my kitchen bar stools for a climbing gym. He crawled head first into the first one, went underneath it and climbed up and out of the second one. He’s a monkey! Ransom just watched – I think he was amazed.

In – head first

Emerging out the other side.

Ransom trying to figure it all out.

On my way home today I got stuck at a Railroad Crossing… Thankfully it wasn’t a L O N G G G G train!

I love my family!

SCRIPTURE OF The DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 23rd is:

National Roots Day; National Pfeffernusse Day; Festivus; National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.

It’s always good to know a bit about your family history. Never tasted a Pfeffernusse. I’m always all in for a Christmas Movie day! God bless….

The day has turned interesting – and I need to make this quick! We are having our family Christmas tomorrow and I still have several things to do. In addition, Autmn and Noah and Cameron are coming tonight so they are already here for the festivities. It makes it easier for them than rushing around in the morning. Not to mention dealing with whatever weather we will experience. So I will catch up with pictures and posting on Monday.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS

TOMORROW December 21st is:

National Flashlight day; National French Fried Shrimp Day; Humbug Day; Crossword Puzzle Day; Anne & Samantha Day; Blue Christmas Service; Winter Solstice; Don’t Make your Bed Day; Look on the Bright Side; World Snowboard Day; Short Girl Appreciation Day; Yule.

I have several flashlights and they do come in handy. I try not to be a humbug. Tomorrow is the shortest day of Daylight, and then things lighten up! I can guarantee I will make my bed! God bless…

What a terrible wind last night – and today. I woke up to what sounded like people talking in my basement. I checked it out – but realized it was the rumbling and moaning of the wind around the trees and creaking of the house. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, but ended up sleeping right through to the ‘song of the day’ – which was ‘It takes Two’.

Was I in OZ??

My original plan was to drive down to L&L Fleatique but I didn’t feel like tramping around in the wind, so I just got my groceries and came back home.

After lunch I made potato salad, did a load of laundry, and replaced some batteries in my small light strings.

Potato salad

I realized that the batteries I bought at Gabe’s were not quality and the devices did not work with those batteries. So I got better quality and the tapestry looks great!

I stopped at Pinnacle, though, on my way home to pick up a few forms that I needed to have here. We got to talking about Santa and Wheelbarrows. THAT is a story for another day!

The Muppets in my wheelbarrow

Yesterday when I stopped at Diane’s she gave me a Snoopy Bingo game! Looks like the kids might enjoy it – Cameron will need another year until he can handle it, I think!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

I love this place!!!

TOMORROW December 20th is:

Go Caroling Day; National Sangria Day; Candlelight Lancaster; Mudd Day; Dot your i’s Day; Festival of Winter Walks; Games Day; Sacagawea Day.

Very few people go caroling anymore. It needs to warm up and calm down before tomorrow will deserve a walk. God bless!

I worked a bit this morning but it was a slow day. Stopped at Walmart to get 3 non-grocery items and discovered my sister in the Vitamin aisle! As expected we stopped and chatted for a bit before going our way. I still have food items to get before Sunday’s Christmas with the kids, but not much. I dropped those 3 items at home, then went to my chiropractor appointment in Youngwood (then got a frozen Coke at Burger King!). Two more errands and them home. I made the rest of the soup (about half a cup!) for lunch, then melted down the last of the dark chocolate and covered the rest of the Mint Oreos. By the time I cleaned up and made my list for the next week it was time to answer emails and post this.

So even though I was busy all day there’s not much to report. I did get a picture of this morning’s sunrise – which was beautiful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 19th is:

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day; National Oatmeal Muffin Day; National Hard Candy Day; National Underdog Day; Look for a Evergreen Day.

I have a ton of Christmas tops and leggings. Not much of a fan of hard candy except for Jolly Ranchers. I have my tree so I don’t need an evergreen. Have a lovely Friday. God bless…

Happy birthday today to my cousin Perry. Hope your day was delightful and fun. I have no idea what part of the country you are in right now, so wherever you are, enjoy!

Guaranteed I wouldn’t be doing THAT!!! Happy birthday!

Short post tonight. I started the day by making phone calls. For a society that demands extraordinary customer service, I have to say that pushing buttons, talking to recordings, and being forced to ask questions and conduct business almost entirely online is not my idea of customer service. I hate to say that I was on the verge of tears after 2 hours of being hung up on, put on hold, and being told ‘that has to be done on our app.’ I fluctuated between anger and frustration till about mid-afternoon. Then I made up my mind that I was not going to be beaten by electronics. So I picked up my scrub brush, Windex, Pledge and Hoover and cleaned the house! All good now.

It’s a process.

And other than a load of clothes, that was it for the day. So maybe tomorrow will be a little more interesting!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 18th is:

Bake Cookies Day; Flake Appreciation Day; Wear a Plunger on your Head Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day; National Regifting Day; Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day.

No more cookie baking this season. I have a limited appreciation of snow flakes. I have never worn – and never will wear – a plunger on my head. We will NOT be roasting Piggy Smalls! I should answer the phone that way – if I remember. God bless…

We’ll protect you!

TODAY would have been Grama Crooks’ birthday! She was such an example and mentor to me in so many ways – and I just plain loved her! So I’m thinking of her on her birthday.

Grama on far left holding Perry; Danny, Aunt Hazel, Susan, Aunt Dolly, Me, Kathy. Just a few of her grandkids!

It was very nice to pull out of my driveway this morning free of ice and snow. I am thankful! There were only a few things to do at work, so afterwards I stopped at the bank and the Dollar Tree. I came home, had a small bite of lunch, then went to the funeral home to see my friend’s husband who passed away on Friday.

Kathy met me back at my house to return an item that she borrowed, and we were able to chat for about half an hour. Always so good to catch up in person! Her appointment went well and she got some answers that she needed. She still has two follow-up appointments in December and then will know if she has anything else to do in the meantime.

I had a pulmonologist appointment in Latrobe, which went very well. Dr. Shuman was pleased with my test results, and that I was comfortable without some of the medications we had weened off of. So my next appointment is in a year, rather than 4 months. So I’m happy about that. Now for some supper.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 17th is:

National Say it Now Day; National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brothers Day.

Wonder what I’m supposed to say…. I just bought maple syrup last week! God bless —

I’m sitting here looking out my bottom door, and although there is no sunshine, the driveway is totally clear from bottom to top! A huge thanks to Noah and his 9* efforts yesterday!

I did sleep very well last night — woke up at 5:45 with my book still open beside me in my bed! So I slept soundly. I think it was all that shoveling and cold air.

This morning my first chore was to do my Monday laundry. Then I had a laundry project for Autmn and Noah – they had a washer malfunction that did some weird things to some of their laundry. So I spent a few hours rewashing and scrubbing, and sewing and ironing. Most of them turned out fine – a few still a little less than stellar but I did my best! And I needed to stitch up Elmo’s back – it had a stuffing issue.

I need to sew a seam.

For lunch I had meatloaf, and also put my ice cream in little individual one-serving snack containers. There were a few bites left – so I got to have dessert!

My favorite ice cream (or anything!) bowl.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 15th is:

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day; Barbie & Barney Backlash Day (?); Stupid Toy Day.

No contest – I’ll take the Chocolate! I have seen some stupid toys in my day. God bless!!!