Valentine’s Day 2022

The day started out very weirdly – I noticed that I had warm water but not HOT water. I had been putzying around in the laundry room all weekend and sent things flying off the shelves and cupboards numerous time, always feeling frustrated that things seemed to take on a life of their own. When I checked out the hot water tank, the setting was on ‘vacation’. I called my long-time, home-town favorite – Brown’s Plumbing-Heating-AC – and explained the issue. I was at the dentist, but they came and checked it out- all they had to do was turn the knob. The pilot didn’t even need re-lit. No Charge! I love these guys. I do have to say that God has been truly watching over my fumbles and failures these last few months. Which brings me to Valentine’s day, and LOVE – God loves us, in all ways!

Intimidating knob – all good now!

And that brings me to God’s Valentines to us. We can’t out-love God!

90 Bible Verses About Love (Printable Infographics) - God, Marriage... -  Made In Agapé
LOOKING FOR LOVE |
CAROLE'S SCRIPTURE CARDS - A MINISTRY OF LIFE QUEST - GOD's LOVE

And ours to God —

…and to each other —

Peanuts has a few words for us as well.

February 14 – Tell about a special valentine you once received. “It was when my boyfriend was in the air force & sent me one.” See? Mom DID have an eye for the guys!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Scotland – the photo posted was Castle Rock – Edinburgh. There is almost an unending list of things to do and see.  I have read so many novels set on the Isle of Skye – that alone would tempt me!  But there is the Heritage Trail, Aberdeenshire Castle Trail, Western Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle, Historic sites, fireworks, festivals, Osprey sanctuary, wildlife, hiking, climbing, boating, mountains, beaches, castles and moats, fishing, lighthouses, gardens, kayaking, art, wineries and distilleries, Abbeys, scenic views, biking, and the Rothiemurchus forest.  Underground walking tour, Hogwarts Express Tour, Afternoon Tea Experience, Underground Ghost Tour,  Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends; Chocolate tour experience, Folklore tours, Vaults and graveyards tour, Fright Night tour, Comedy walk, Alnwick Castle as Featured in Harry Potter.

Inverness: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
St. Andrews Golf Club
Loch Lomond
Isle of Skye
Northern Highlands
Wallace Monument & Stirling Castle
Isle of Mull: Reside in Glengorm Castle
Orkney: Skara Brae

Calendar Inspiration – Love and thoughtfulness transform everyday activities into romantic moments.  Make someone’s day special.

Quotes and scriptures about love are already posted, so here is the vacation destination:

Romance in Aruba | The best romantic restaurants, hotels & more
‘Love’ in ????
Aruba One Happy Family | Family vacation packages, Aruba island, Aruba
Family fun in ????

TOMORROW February 15th is:

I’m hopeful that Kelly will come up tomorrow and we can go antiquing for her project! I’m always up for antiques! Have a great day — God bless. He has certainly blessed ME!!!

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February 13, 2022

Last night I ushered again for Bear – he did not attend, which I knew ahead of time. Did see a friend from school – we went through all twelve grades together! She was helping to usher. We started talking about our 55th class reunion (next year; 2023!) and I offered to help. So once they start focusing on the plans she’ll call or email me. Gwen and I were even in the same Brownie and Girl Scout troops. It was fun to see her. I snapped a picture of the cast rehearsing before they opened the doors.

In rehearsal!

The courthouse was blue last night – not sure what it represents but it was beautiful in the clear evening darkness!

Arrived at church this morning to no power. Apparently a pole was knocked crooked and they didn’t expect power to resume until after 11am. Everyone pitched in and set up chairs in the Welcome Center so we could have Sunday School and church service. JUST got everything organized and the power came on! Happy problem! But our classroom, which is downstairs, was very cold. We brought our three students up into the youth section and had class there.

Cold!

We had a special guest speaker this morning – Rob Grandi. He is such a good singer and preacher. His message was ‘God of Second Chances’. He had SO MANY great points. If you want to hear a good message and his gift of a song go to Hempfield Church of Christ facebook page. One of the things I liked was his reference to A Christmas Carol – Scrooge definitely got a second chance. And these are the three questions he asked; we should ask them, as well. God forgets our past if we ask him to; And if you say you are sorry for doing something again, he’ll say he never knew you even did it before! We should be celebrating our freedom of forgiveness.

Rob Grandi

It’s never too late for a second chance.

When I went to my car after church, there was a surprise treat from Deb! A little Valentine: Homemade soup, two muffins, and iced sugar cookies. I had half the soup for lunch, and a cookie for dessert. The muffins will be tomorrow’s breakfast after the dentist. Thanks so much, Deb!! Everyone need a ‘Deb’ in their life. My sweet ‘Violet’ cousin!

Valentine from Deb

My plastic pink butterfly shower curtain over the closet in the garage was ripped and coming down. I stopped on the way home and found an unexpected treasure for almost no cost! And it has STARS on it! Big change for almost no investment, time or money!

Old plastic curtain
New cloth curtain with stars!

On the way home there was a white bathroom cabinet sitting beside the road. Almost new! I brought it home, and I think Jen is going to use it for supplies at the rescue. I love saving things!

Discarded cabinet

Kelly wanted me to check out L&L Fleatique for small pieces of furniture for their Church’s new gym bathrooms – storage and supplies, etc. So I snapped about 20 photos and kept sending her descriptions and costs. I think she’s coming up Tuesday to go down and check them out. I doubt they will be sold as they were closing when I left, and aren’t open Mondays.

Option one
Option 2 (MY favorite!)
Option 3

February 13 – Tell about a special valentine you once gave. “I gave a Valentine to my favorite teacher when I was in 5th grade. I had a crush on him.” Seems like Mom had an eye for the guys!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was New Mexico, and the photo posted was the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Just a few things in New Mexico are Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, artist colonies, Rio Grande Gorge, mountains, rafting, hiking, camping, ballooning, fishing, rock-climbing, skiing, snow-boarding, tubing, Aztec ruins, International UFO Museum, Historic districts, lakes, waterfalls.

Santa Fe
Mesilla valley
White Sands National Monument
Los Alamos
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Pecos National Historic Park

Snoopy has the calendar inspiration for today. And just for the record, today is the anniversary of Charles Schulz’s death. He has been missed!

May be a cartoon of text that says 'The End.'
February 13, 2000

Quote –

Scripture –

Scripture today is from Rob Grandi’s message

Vacation destination –

Amazing place to visit – I’d love to go there!

TOMORROW February 14 is:

Hope you took a second, ladies, to appreciate your female friends! Tomorrow, celebrate love! GOD is love!!! God bless YOU!!!

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February 12, 2022

After breakfast I did laundry and finished the ironing. Then I mixed up scones to be refrigerated overnight for tomorrow. I txt Chrissy to see if she wanted to go to ‘Scotland’ – and she said, “Where is Scotland?” Autmn ALWAYS called Scottdale ‘Scotland’ her whole life. So I picked up Chrissy at noon and we headed down. We did some shopping at Walmart, Aldi, Goodwill, Dollar Tree, the Dollar General. We also had lunch at the Dairy Queen and it was pretty good! We accomplished most of what we went for, and a little more (of course!).

Scotland to open border for travel from England and Wales on 26 April | The  Independent
Scotland?
1000-1050 Countryside Plz, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 - Countryside Plaza |  LoopNet.com
Scottdale (Really, Mt. Pleasant!)
Shopping plaza…

Last night I ushered at the theater, and I was happy to see Bear there! He had a little ‘spell’ on Wednesday and I didn’t expect to see him. His brother Bruce drove him and it was good to see him, too. So we got to catch up a little. Always great to see my Bear!

Selfie with Bear

I moved a few shower curtains around and was able to match the ones behind the freezer. So it looks even better in the laundry room. Also used my basket from Connie (Christmas in July) to keep my extra little pillows in. Why didn’t I think of it before! Also got a little more done in the garage.

Matched the shower curtains
Pillows in the basket
Little more done…

February 12 – Tell about the Valentine Day festivities of your school. “Everyone made a box with a slot in it. We planned for weeks how we would decorate the box. In the afternoon we would all exchange our valentines and then eat sugar cookies with pick & red icing on them. Our teacher would bring a treat for each child. The mothers made the cookies.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Laurel Highlands – our own back yard. The picture posted was Ohiopyle. Things to do around the Laurel Highlands are Escape rooms, Powder Mill Nature Reserve, Abigail’s Coffee House, Arnold Palmer Regional Airport/Airshow, Bedford Fall Festival, Ligonier Ice Fest, Vineyards, Big Mac Museum restaurant, Bushy Run Battlefield, Ohiopyle’s hiking, camping, biking, whitewater rafting, canoe and kayaking.  Twin Lakes, Golfing, Cedar Creek Park, Flight 93 National Memorial, Ft. Necessity, Friendship Hill Historic Site, Great Allegheny Passage, Hanna’s Town, Johnson Flood Memorial, Keystone State Park, Kooser State Park, Linn Run, Mammoth Park, Farmers Markets and more!  Come join us in the Laurel Highlands!

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Barronvale Bridge
Braddocks Inn and Restaurant
Burkholders Bridge
Coal Tubin’
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Linn Run State Park - Picture of Linn Run State Park, Rector - Tripadvisor
Linn Run State park
Twin Lakes
Friendship Hill National Historic Site: A beautiful architectural puzzle –  U.S. National Parks Service at 100 Years
Friendship Hill Historic Site

Calendar Inspiration is Planning ahead always pays off – you & everyone will benefit!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Very generic – anyone have a guess?

TOMORROW February 13 is:

I had to look up Galentine’s day. I heard it mentioned on the radio a few times and thought it was just a station give-away tag. But here’s what I found out: Galentine’s Day brings women together to celebrate each other every year the day before Valentine’s day. I have plans for the 16th – so I’ll be celebrating a few days late! Have a happy day whatever you celebrate. God bless…

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February 11, 2022

I had a lot of chores to work on today – including laundry, scrubbing the closet floor, restacking boxes, emptying out both freezers, and making a trip to Nate’s with the food. I picked up Chrissy from the bus stop and took her over with me.

Cat playground. There are currently 2 dogs, as well
I popped upstairs to see how things were going – the cat was playing ‘find a cat’.
Piggy making himself at home

After getting rid of so much stuff the closet really looks neat and organized. I’m very pleased.

Closet organized and functional – and not crowded!

I had to move the recliner so the old freezer would fit out the door, and found it not a bit surprising that there was a goldfish under it…

Under the recliner

The new freezer looks great in the laundry room and I’m so pleased. It really opens it up nicely.

Much more room, and easier access to the shelves

There was a contest today at the school, and Chrissy and her friend Hope won second place – Twin day or something? They dressed as Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. Chrissy is on the right. How fun is that??

Hope and Christina

I promised Bear I would usher for him tonight – the play is RENT – which I’ve never heard of. I don’t mind ushering…

While I was going through boxes last night I found an old newspaper with a picture of my friend Diane’s daughter Lori, who distinguished herself (back in 1989) in the Air Force. I remember the day Diane called me about that! She was very proud and excited!

This is Lori Meyers

February 11 – Who was your first boyfriend? “Billy Wilson – in 2nd grade at Davis School.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Australia – photo posted was the great barrier reef. Some of the other things to do and see are Outdoor Markets, architecture, theaters, beaches, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beaches, Harbour Bridge, Museums and galleries, Waterfronts, Cage of Death crocodile enclosure.  Piers, Wildlife dome, rainforests, hiking, Lagoons, Bungy-jumping, shopping, desert landscapes, kangaroo sanctuary, Skyrail Cableway, Fraser Island.  Also visit Keith Urban while you are there – and his wife, Nicole Kidman! 

Port Campbell National Park
Hobart – a small country in Australia
Broome Wilderness Coast
Margaret River caving
Wine country
Pinnacles Desert

Calendar inspirations is that a favorite activity can’t always be shared. Enjoy doing whatever you love best.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

I’ve been here! Beautiful and popular spot

TOMORROW February 12 is:

TOMORROW — is a brand new day with no mistakes in it! That’s a quote from Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables). I’m hoping to keep it that way! God bless…

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February 10, 2022

Treadmill, work, a few stops on the way home. After lunch I started pulling bins out of the storage cupboard under the steps. I was concerned that the floor had been wet under there and I want to air it out. I decided to go through the boxes and I’m glad I did. I found 2 boxes that are Nate’s, two that Mom gave me to keep when she married John and moved, and TONS of things that I don’t need to keep. Going through Mom’s house last summer helped me to focus on what is to be cherished and what I don’t need to keep. Whatever Nate does with his ‘stuff’ is up to him. I won’t mind at all if he tosses most of it! (Report cards, notes, toys, etc). Kath & I will have to go through the stuff from Mom – I don’t think there is a lot we need to keep.

Items I am saving

Autmn needed a ride home this afternoon, so I took a break and drove her to West Newton. I told her I could do that as long as it was in the daylight! Route 136 is crazy-twisty! On the way back I saw a house with a purple metal roof. THAT will be my choice if I every have to replace the roof!

Bridge in West Newton
Purple roof!

In one of the boxes I found some things that were Dad’s – and we had saved for Nate. Peyton had asked for string ties last fall, so when I found a few I offered one to him. I’m glad we found some to share!

Peyton chose the one on the right

And speaking of memories – February 10 – What was your favorite meal as a child? “Fried ham, potatoes and gravy. My mom always made me apple maple dumplings for my birthday every year.” Ham was always (and still is!) a favorite of mine! That’s cool that it was Mom’s, too!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the picture posted was the Grand Teton National Park. Things to do in or near Jackson Hole are activities at Grand Teton National Park : wildlife, scenic overlooks, hiking and back-packing. Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls.  Fishing, camping, mountain biking, safari tours, shooting experience, children’s museum, Laurence Rockefeller preserve, Museum of Wildlife Art, Skiing, Aerial tram, Hot air balloon rides, golf, rafting, Snake River, Historical society & Museum, dog sledding, snow tubing, paragliding, snowmobiles, Granite Hot Springs, Raptor Center, Horseback riding and Rodeo, Music fest and fairs.  And more!

Bar T 5 Wagon Cookout, with canoeing, swimming, hiking, campfires, cookouts
Sleigh Ride through the Elk Refuge
Antelope Flats – Bison
Summer sports on Snow King Mountain
Sleep beneath a million stars
Marion Lake

Calendar inspiration is Sometimes you can feel the quiet in nature- Find that calm in every season.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

What a beautiful, calming, inviting place!

TOMORROW February 11 is:

Tomorrow – I HOPE – we are moving the big freezer to Nate’s, and putting my small one in the laundry room. I’m afraid to get excited until it actually happens! Lots of options to celebrate tomorrow. Pick several! God bless…

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February 9 2022

Treadmill, breakfast, then spent some time figuring out our vacation plans. Kath took the B&B and made our reservations there, and I took the half-way motel on the way up. So we are set to get started. We’ll figure out the rest when we decide if we want to do something else when we leave Newport.

Entrance to private courtyard.
AirB&B

Nate and Dave were able to grab the cedar chest out of the garage today, so I have a bit more room. Right now I still have a few boxes of pictures sitting there but they will soon be gone from there.

Cedar Chest
Boxes of photos – temporary

I had my caricature sketch that Kelly’s friend drew for me for Christmas, but there was so much white space in the frame that you sort of missed the sketch. So I trimmed it down, put her signature on a glitter heart, and put it in a smaller, unique frame. It looks much better on the shelf and as a focal piece. Nice improvement.

Big, black frame
Shelf
New and improved

I got the house cleaned and the chores done, so after I post this I will get something to eat. I’ve been listening to and watching some episodes of Home Town with Ben and Erin. It’s a show about home purchases and renovations and I like a lot of what they do. They like to keep older character in the homes so I enjoy that. I still have to take the garbage up before my day is done…

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February 9 – Tell of a nickname given to you by friends or classmates. How did you get it? “I was always called Dot. That was a common nickname for my name, Dorothy.” Except her dad called her DeeDee sometimes…

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Iowa – the picture posted was Sculpture Park. Other things to do in Iowa (beside visit Kyle and Janet Drown!) are Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail, Maquoketa Caves State Park, Elwood – world’s tallest concrete gnome; star gazing, Hobo Museum, Matchstick Marvels Museum, Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge, Iowa 80 Truck Stop, American Gothic house and barn, Zombie burgers, Art Museum, history, River Museum and aquarium, fairgrounds, Czech & Slovak museum and library, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Biking, Amana Colonies, Pools, waterparks, wineries, zoo, science center, Museum of National History, sunflower fields, State parks, beaches, riverboat rides, Mount Hosmer, Waterfalls, boating, hiking, Snake Alley (World most crooked street), Grotto of Redemption, Reiman Gardens, Berry Patch Farm (pick your own fruit).  And there’s tons more! Iowa is a big space.

High Trestle Bridge – Madrid Iowa
Ax Murder House
“Day the Music Died” Memorial to American
Rock and Roll
Do you get it???
American Gothic Barn
Fenelton Place Elevator
Capitol Building
Bridges of Madison Country –
which would be really cool to see…

Calendar Inspiration is Whatever we’re doing, we still look forward to whatever is next.  Slow down and savor the pleasures of the moment. 

Quote –

Scripture –

Everything Has a Season | Bible Fun For Kids

Vacation Destination –

Lots of different activities and sites here

TOMORROW February 10 is:

I work tomorrow morning – then the weekend is mine! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

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February 8, 2022

At least I managed the treadmill this morning. Finally. I worked at both stores, then stopped at the bank. Did title work extra so I was later getting home. I told Chrissy I would stop at the driver’s center and get her a Driver’s Manual so she could study for her permit. They don’t have paper ones any more – you have to scan the bar code and download the manual. So I did that and forwarded the link to her and now she’s all set – but when I finished there I went next door to the new Dollar Tree. It’s spacious and open and very nice. I didn’t need anything but I never mind taking a leisurely peek at a new store.

My plan for this evening (after ironing and balancing the checkbook) is to go through a small box of old, black and white photos. I want to sort ones that the Skunk Hollow Cousins would enjoy looking through. And I thought I should share Grandpa Fresh’s new den. He needed someplace that he could tuck into and still be able to see what was happening around him. I think this works.

Old photos
Grandpa Fresh’s den

February 8 – Tell about someone who had a big influence over your life. “When I was young my Grandma Crooks taught me about loving everyone. When I was a young woman our minister, Pastor Cook, taught us how to always read and study the Bible. I still love to read & learn from God’s word. I learn the meaning of Bible ‘truths’ every time I pick it up to read and study.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Key West, Florida, and the photo posted was Fort Jefferson. Other things to do in Key West are dinner cruises (daytime and sunset), Shark & Wildlife adventures, snorkel tour, jet skis, Conch tour, dolphin watch, glass bottom boat, parasailing, cocktail crawl, cultural walking tour, coral reefs, cycling, historic homes and island history walking tour, Hemmingway tour, Jimmy Buffett tour, Key West historic tour, Ghost & Mystery tour, Florida Keys private tours, Dark Side of Key West tour, Beaches, Aquariums, shopping, cultural, scavenger and treasure hunts, paddle boarding, nature tours, Haunted history & civil war tours, Old Town literary tour, live music tour, Maritime museum, Keys audio driving tour.

Mangrove Kayaking
Sunset sail
Ghost and Gravestones trolley tour
Sport fishing
Harry S Truman Little White House tour

Calendar inspiration is The more you share an experience, the more you will remember it. Make strong memories by sharing them!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Where – and what – could this be?

TOMORROW February 9 is:

Pizza. I’m in! And we WON’T talk about a toothache! Tomorrow is stay-home-and-clean day. Have a happy Wednesday! God bless…

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February 7, 2022

It was a crazy start to the morning. I got up, took my vitamins, then came down and put my walking shoes on for the treadmill. But then I noticed that the glass panes in the door were horribly smeared, so I took a few minutes to clean them. I also noticed that I did not take the box of garbage outside last night, so I did that next. Then I realized that I hadn’t finished writing out my ‘friend’ card to mail today so I did that. Then my phone binged with an incoming email. By the time I responded it was time to get a shower. So I took off my walking shoes and got on with my day. I made up for not walking by scrubbing the basement floor for an hour and a half! It isn’t entirely stain-free but it is CLEAN!

Ready to clean
Last section to clean

I went to work in Jeannette and had a nice chat with the guys before I left. Went to Walmart in North Huntingdon since ours didn’t have what I needed (after 3 consecutive trips). I popped into Gabes and found an Easter blanket. Photos to follow, closer the holiday! I brought up the last boxes of photos from the shed since the path down was clear and dry. Something else to keep me busy while watching HGTV and Hallmark in the evening.

Three boxes of photos

Tonight is the third episode of The Gilded Age. I’m going to Kathy’s to watch it – we are having Carrol Cake for dessert!

Gilded Age

January 7 – Tell about a big fib you told. “When Ruth Sink & I told our teacher we were to go home from school at noon so we could go to Indiana with our parents. Ruth & I were running away from home. We walked for a few hours through woods & thicket. We decided to come back home & got home before dark. We were sorry we worried our parents that day.”

Mom and Ruth Sink-Martin

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Santorini, Greece and Kathy guessed correctly. The picture posted was Santorini along the coast. Things to do are Ancient archeological sights, ATV tours, never ending views, whitewashed terraces and homes, winding lanes, blue domed churches, hikes and cable cars and scenic trails, ferries and docks and cruises and shopping and beaches and mountains and sunsets; boutiques, great dining and quaint travel accommodations.

Caldera Cliff Wall
Ancient Thira
Red beach at Akrotiri
Museum at prehistoric Thira
Beach at Perissa
Ammoudi Bay

Calendar inspiration is: There are so many nice ways to keep in touch and spread cheer. Surprise someone with kindness today.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Lots of water on all sides!

TOMORROW February 8 is:

So, go fly a kite! In Iowa! Especially if you are a boy scout. In the meantime, choose some activities that you enjoy, and appreciate doing them! God bless…

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February 6, 2022

Once again, I breezed through Liz’s newest release, The Country Cottage. So honored to be an ARC reader for her. This is the first in a new series (Prairie Creek) , and I’m excited to see what’s next in The Thimble Shoppe! I’ll be a Beta reader for this one.

The Thimble Shoppe: A Prairie Creek Romance (Prairie Creek Sweet Romances Book 2)

Elizabeth Bromke’s The Country Cottage makes me want to read it just by the title.  Actually, I’d really like to GO there!  With the cultural trends around us suggesting to always update and replace and modernize, being comfortable in the past is the place to be.  As Kelly and Logan each struggle with their personal choices and dilemmas, it seems that indeed, two are better than one.  Their chemistry brings them together in a way that leads them each to where they need to be, comfortable with their past.  As is usual for Elizabeth’s books, once I begin to read, MY life falls off the back side and I get caught up in THEIR lives. I seem to leave housework and chores behind as I step into the very believable, relatable, and inviting world she creates. Pieces of the puzzle are revealed one at a time, chapter by chapter, until we realize that they both have drama and distress that change the direction of their lives, and the Country Cottage project begins their forward journey and gives them confidence to move forward.  So much ahead; can’t wait to see where Kelly and Logan take us next!  Great characters, wonderful story line, compelling motivations, and delightful solutions!

Title: The Country Cottage (Prairie Creek Romances, #1), Author: Elizabeth Bromke

After lunch yesterday I spent some more time working on the basement floor, then made a casserole for Nate. It’s one he particularly likes so every now and then I make it for him. Today he picked it up after church and brought over the mower that I’m keeping here. I plan to sort out some of the items in the trunk for the SHWF cousins to review next month, then spend another hour working on the floor. That is my exciting Sunday!

Church was particularly good this morning. Joe did the communion devotion, and JJ, (who is seven and in my Sunday school class), helped by quoting John 3:16. He stepped up to the mic and spoke loudly and clearly and with total commitment. In addition, my nephew Jesse’s son Isaac was on the drums for the praise band. So exciting to see these young boys participating. Wayne’s message was very good about allowing God to lead – delivered with conviction and a dash of humor and heart-felt insight. Encouragement for the week!

Joe giving the devotion
JJ reciting John 3:16
Isaac on the drums

January 6 – Who was the most famous person you ever met as a child? “I think meeting Jimmy Stewart’s father would be the closest to a person of any fame. He owned a hardware store in Indiana, PA.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Big Sur in California, and the photo posted was the Calla Lily Valley. Other things to do and see at Big Sur are Andrew Molera State Park (hiking, meadows, beaches, bluffs, hilltops, camping, ranches), Sea Otter Game Refuge, Carmel River State Beach (lagoon, bird watching, scuba diving) Garropata State Park –( 2 mile beach, hiking, climbing, even nude swimming and sun bathing – redwoods). Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 80 foot waterfall, overlook trail, fantastic views.  Los Pardres National Forest (mountains, forests, streams, beaches, rivers). Historic Mission San Carlos; Old Coast Road with beautiful landscapes, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Labos National Reserve and ranch, butterfly sanctuary.

Bixby Bridge
17 Miles Drive
Los Padres National Forest
Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo
Point Sur State Historic Park

Calendar inspiration today is from Peanuts.

Quote –

Scripture – (Three today)

You Planned Evil Against Me But God Used Those Same Plans For My Good: Genesis  50:20 Inspirational Weekly Planner: Swift, Renee: 9781798154052:  Amazon.com: Books

Vacation destination –

Makes you want to be there, doesn’t it? Beautiful!

TOMORROW February 7 is:

We can all send a card to someone we care about! If you are reading this, I care about YOU! Have a great week. God bless…

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February 5, 2022

Yesterday I finished out the day with a few chores. It stopped snowing so I went out and cleaned the walks and the driveway. There was ice underneath in a few places but I was careful and had my spikes on my boots. You can see the difference in the two places.

Ice underneath
Mostly clear

I also took the Americana comforter apart and finished off the edges to make it fit on both of the beds in the Flag room. It fits so nice now, and the trundle pulls out easily and looks great with comforters on both beds that match. Coming along nicely!

Fits pulled out …
…and fits pushed under

Also ordered tickets for a program at Compass Inn at the end of the month. They are Fireside Chats about Histories and Mysteries of Language. That will be fun!

Fireside Chats: Histories and Mysteries of Language

I took a little time to work on a small area of the downstairs floor. It was an improvement but if you look REALLY CLOSELY you’ll see that there are still shadows of white along some of the seams. Not sure if it’s a stain on the flooring or if the color bled off.

Stained
cleaned

This morning I went out first thing (well, second thing. I changed my bed sheets first!) to clean off the driveway again. We got a lot of fresh snow overnight. It actually looked like Ivory Flakes – remember those? Laundry detergent? It was light and sparkly and fluffy. The temperature was 15* so I didn’t dally. You can see how much snow by the back deck.

Snow on the deck

Kathy came over and we looked through the rest of the items in the trunk. We found the deed to the Shady Lane property (long sold), our polio vaccine certificates (See? We’re safe!), Temperance petitions, old family photos, sympathy cards, birth and baptismal certificates. So much history! But who to pass them on to? Not much interest in that for the next generations…

Grandparents Lloyd & Violet Steiner’s property
Popular sympathy card in the 70’s
Polio – Being safe…

February 5 – What were you doing to first smash a finger? “I never smashed a finger. I was doing some ironing when I was about 6 years old. I dropped the heavy iron on my big tow & smashed it. The toenail came off & never grew back on like it should be. I had to wear a covering over my toe for a very long time that summer.” Ouch!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Minnesota, which is the land of 10,000 lakes! Picture posted was the Sculpture Garden. Other things to do and see are parks, lakes, resorts, flea markets, drive-in theaters, historical sites, museums,  golfing, tent and RV camping, canoeing, hunting, rock climbing, dogsledding,   Minneapolis Museum of Art, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Marine Museum, Leif Erickson Park & Rose garden. National Eagle center, vineyards, historic Mill City museum, North American Bear Center,  History center, cruises – plus more!

Split Rock Lighthouse
Paul Bunyan Trail and ‘This old Farm’
Sugar Loaf
North Shore Scenic Drive
Minniehaha Park
Historic James J Hill house
Congdon Estate

Calendar inspiration – After a long day of work, you can head home with the satisfaction of a job well done.  Your commitment is important.

Quote –

Scripture –

I had this verse on my desk all the years I worked at Smail Auto. It helped me stay centered.

Vacation Destination –

What a beautiful view!

TOMORROW February  6 is:

I did buy some yogurt but it’s not frozen. I guess I could just sit it outside! Stay warm and safe and have a great day. God bless.

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