Before 10am, I had done a mile on the treadmill, changed my bed sheets, washed them, dried them, folded and put them away, got a shower, and had breakfast. I was just reading emails when Kath called and said we could finally get together today and go through the things in Grandad Crooks’ trunk. So after lunch we spent several hours doing that, and it was fun. Both being together and taking a ‘walk back’ in time. There were quite a number of things from the mid- to late 1800’s, things belonging to Mom, her mom, and her grandmother – and her uncle Edd. We only have a small pile left to go through, then we can start on the photos.

After she left, I decided to go to the store, which was a crazy mistake. It wasn’t as crowded as I expected but I thought maybe we were facing the apocalypse and I didn’t get the memo. I couldn’t believe how many shelves were empty – and the strangest things! No lettuce at all! And yogurt. And chicken. I actually didn’t go for food items. But the 2 things I was looking for were sold out, too. Razor blade glass scraper? Really???

If you are on facebook, you will see that I have a double bed I’d like to get rid of. If you or anyone you know is interested please email or txt me – or leave a note on this website. Thanks!

Will we or will we not get snow tomorrow night? When I went past Pinnacle, I noticed they had the snowplow truck parked out front beside the doors, and that all the cars were lined up close together in the back line. So they are ready to plow, should the need arise! Stay safe and cautious if we do it get – or whenever we get it!

January 15th – Name the childhood addresses you remember. “Only had one address & that was Smicksburg, PA.” Kath and I found a few cards and a newspaper mailed to Jess Crooks at Smicksburg PA. Not sure when the mailing address changed to a HOME, R.D.#.

Calendar inspiration – History lies quietly in every home & family.  Reflect on your personal experiences – write your stories down!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was — Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth MA – Most of the photos below are from the trip Kath and I took to Boston in 2019. At the plantation is the Grist Mill, 17th Century English Village, thatched houses, family gardens, the Wampanoag community (Historic Patuxet), museums, demonstrations, meeting house. Other things to do around Plymouth are the Sandwich Glass Museum, John & Priscilla Alden site, Memorial State Park, Hoxie House, Brewster Gardens, Antiquarian House, Mayflower Museum and the Mayflower II (when it’s in dock), cruises. We didn’t see everything – maybe that means a trip back someday?

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I am sorry to say that I posted TOMORROW’s National day YESTERDAY! So just go back and read it. TODAY was:

January 15

• National Bagel Day
• National Booch Day
• National Hat Day
• National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
• National Use Your Gift Card Day

It might be too late to do any of that, but I’m sure it’s acceptable if you have to carry it over into tomorrow! Apologies! Regardless of how you celebrate, enjoy your day, stay safe, and be happy! As my friend Lenny would say, ‘Keep Smiling!’ God bless…

It’s been overcast all day, and cold, but not unbearable. I’m glad that the predicted snow will not come until Sunday night. That gives me another whole day of not shoveling the driveway! But there were flurries earlier.

When I woke up this morning I realized that my first morning glance usually fell on the fan pulls above me. What more fitting sight than a stained glass angel and a glow in the dark cross?

After a few small chores, including laundry, I decided to make a card for Max, one of my little guys in Sunday School. His mom messaged me that he was sick and they wouldn’t be at church Sunday. Even though I’m far from crafty I constructed a little personal card (inspired by the Christmas Card I got from Skunk Hollow cousin Karen Valyo). I hope he likes it, just because it’s personal. Get well quick, Max!!!

After that I decided to tackle the shed. Nate was asking if he could pick up the space heaters, and I knew they were behind the mower and the deer. So I took a bunch of stuff out, put my stuff in the back along the wall, shoved the reindeer in next, then the mower. There were 2 things that were too heavy for me, but the rest of his ‘stuff’ I lugged up the path and loaded in my car. Figured I might as well take them over since I had them unearthed. When I got down to the house, Nate & Dave were working on the ramp so Piggy could get in and out of the yard by himself. I figured a ramp was a good idea, because as we ‘age’ it will be a benefit for more than just Piggy!

After I put all the Christmas decorations away I realized that I was missing the lights most of all. So I dug around in the lights box and found a small string that would wrap around my lantern. Just the perfect amount of cheer for that corner! Who can’t use a bit of extra cheer?

January 14th – Name the towns you lived in before you were 20. “I lived on the farm until I got married at age 18. We started our married life in Greensburg PA. We only lived there 1 month. We went to a big farm house near Youngwood, PA, where we lived for a year. Rented a small house on the top of Youngwood hill where you were born.” I don’t know where the house in Greensburg was, but I drive past the two Youngwood houses frequently!

Calendar Inspiration –  Slow down and take your time – don’t let anyone rush you! You will still reach your destination.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Seattle Washington. The picture posted was the waterfront at night. Other things to see in Seattle are the city skyline, spray parks & wading pools, Underground history tour.

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TOMORROW January 16th is:

• National Fig Newton Day
• National Nothing Day
• National Religious Freedom Day
• National Without a Scalpel Day

I wonder if ‘nothing’ means the little fruit filled sheet cakes (that Aunt Joan always made!) or it means to DO nothing! Have a happy Saturday, and God Bless…

Just this SECOND got word that my long-time, crazy, actor friend Bear had a mild heart attack this week! They put a stint in and he is expected to be home by Saturday. Please pray for his healing and continued progress! Thank you!

Treadmill, breakfast, work. Not much at either store but I kept busy until my noon appointment for the shingles shot. My arm hurts worse with this than it did with the COVID shots. But no other side-effects, thankfully. Another beautiful sunrise…

Today was Joe’s birthday, so I took his card and his favorite M&M’s (Brownie bite M&M’s) for him. He says he’s going to eat one a day. What was that old Lays commercial? Bet you can’t eat one! We’ll see how that goes. Happy birthday Joe! Here’s to many, many more!

I made a few cheese sticks for lunch, and now I’m having a cup of hot tea and listening to Rick Steves’ Europe. It’s a cloudy, rainy day, and when I was sitting upstairs in my living room (seldom do that) it struck me how cozy the little deer look ‘eating’ from the tree. I have a very small string of blue battery-operated lights on it, and I love the effect.

Not sure if I mentioned that I stopped to browse at L&L Fleatique the other day, and added a small wooden block to my snowflake corner. I’ve been eyeing it for several months, and it was half price. So — it came home with me!

Not entirely sure which day the furniture is getting moved at Nate’s – so I’m just on standby for when it does. I’m still trying to work out some snags in my mind about my newest writing project – coming close but still uncertain. I’ll work on that this weekend..

January 13th – Did your mother work outside the home? “She worked from daylight until bedtime keeping us in homemade clothes. She worked in the garden during the summer months. We canned hundreds of jars of fruit & vegetables each year. We were a family of 8, which takes a lot of work.”

Calendar inspiration today is ”  Brighten someone’s day with an unexpected kindness.” Anyone who knows me well knows that one of my favorite saying is “It’s better to be kind than to be right.” Kelly made me a tee-shirt with that saying on it.

Yesterday’s Vacation Destination was Belize. The picture was Cockescomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Other things to do in Belize (but not limited to!) are golf and deep sea fishing, Marine Reserve, Maya Ruins, Day Safari, sunset sailing tour.

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TOMORROW January 14 is:

• National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
• Ratification Day

Look up Ratification day (see below). I’ll celebrate that! Otherwise I’m not sure yet what tomorrow will be for me. Writing, laundry, ironing. Whatever is it, I’ll make it good. God bless…

I was right – by the middle of the day, the driveway was clear of snow, as was most of the yard. I spent the day cleaning and doing little chores that I thought about as the day went on.

In the mail I received a note from my friend Mary Ann Howe’s sister-in-law (Bernie). Mary Ann was formerly a phone operator at Smail’s. She was a good friend and we kept in touch. I sent her a Christmas card, and had a strange feeling when I was writing it out. Bernie sent a nice letter and told me that Mary Ann had passed away last year. I was sorry I hadn’t known. Bernie sent me one of Mary Ann’s angel charms. Mary Ann loved angels, and I have several that belonged to her that she shared over the years. So let this little post be a tribute to her friendship.

After I finished my day of cleaning, I did the ironing and then a load of towels. They are in the dryer. I sat down for a few minutes to open the mail and see what was on TV this evening. I’m listening to Rick Steve’s Europe, as I’m getting tired of Hallmark reruns!

Kathy brought me over a poinsettia from their Christmas service at church – I think I mentioned that. But it’s so very unique in color that I decided to share a picture. I’ve never seen one with this coloring. Very stunning!

I want to take a minute to wish my Skunk Hollow Cousin Beth a very happy birthday! And it’s also her daughter Sabrina’s birthday! Wishing a special day of celebration to both of them! Sending hugs, love, and happiness to both mother and daughter!

January 12 – What did your father do for a living? “My father went to Greensburg & worked for a wealthy family as their chauffeur. He went into the army & fought in WWI. He was gassed with mustard gas & wasn’t healthy after that. He bought a farm along with Uncle Edd. Besides the farm work, he worked at a big feed mill where they ground grain & made flour & also animal feed. He later did road work for South Mahoning Twp. He never applied for a veterans pension. He was eligible.”

Today’s calendar inspiration – Keep an open mind for unexpected Joy – you never know when good things will surprise you.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was … Pedestal Rock (Ozarks) in ARKANSAS. Beautiful view! Other things to do would be touring Johnny Cash’s boyhood home, the Inland Maritime Museum, historic driving tours, Helena Civil War Tour, and the Ozark Mountain Waterfalls.

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TOMORROW January 13th is:

• Korean American Day
• National Peach Melba Day
• National Rubber Ducky Day
• Stephen Foster Memorial Day
• National Sticker Day

Rubber Ducky! How fun! I have a Christmas one. My friend has one that is reading a book, and she takes it everywhere she goes and shares photos on facebook! I used to be known as the Sticker Lady at Smail’s. All the kids would stop by my office for stickers and M&M’s! My family is all too old for stickers these days… I still have some! God bless…

I did something this morning I don’t think I’ve ever done before – simply because I am very strict with myself. I got up to a light coating of snow on the driveway. Normally I would have bundled up early and cleared it. I looked at the crazy cold temps and said, “naaaa.” I did my treadmill, got ready for work, and just slowly crept up the driveway. No problem. It was mostly cleared off from the sun by the time I got home, but still a few snowy spots. Hoping it warms up enough to melt the rest. It was just very cold. I don’t have to go out again until Thursday morning. Nate sent me this picture this morning, and I think this summer when Kelly is here for a few days I may try to duplicate this. It would be perfect for me!

After work and a bowl of soup I met Nate at the house and started in doing some cleaning again. They have a lot moved and a lot cleaned. Today I did the small furniture pieces that were already there, scrubbed the washer and dryer, and wiped down the walls and door in the laundry room. Jen should be all set to start putting things away. Nate and Dave painted Chrissy’s room and it’s very pretty. All that’s left to paint is the baseboards and the door/window trim. She’s very excited!

My niece Sarah shared her son’s journey – He was born with a left clubbed foot, and has had casts since he was two weeks old! Today he had surgery to start the correction process. The surgery went well and the doctor was pleased. The staff at Children’s Hospital were loving and efficient and supportive. It will be a long journey but with the incredible staff taking care of Wyatt he is in excellent hands – and God is so good! Please pray for Wyatt as he continues this journey – and for Sarah and the entire family who loves and takes care of him!

January 11th – Tell of any other nicknames in your family. “My dad’s nickname was Piney. One of his young friends named him that nickname. My dad called my mother Beckey. He liked that name!”

Inspiration calendar –  Fine solitude; some precious quiet time to soothe your spirit and calm your emotions.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Switzerland! Someplace I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go. The Alps, the vistas, the castles. The picture I posted was Lake Geneva. Other places of interest are Lake Como tour/Lucerne, Swiss Village day trip, Swiss Grand Canyon, Chocolate & Cheese factories, Rhine Falls, Lunch with Heidi (haha), – I’d GO THERE to have lunch with Heidi, the Grandfather, and Clara! Zurich, Albula Railway, Matterhorn, Jungfraujock (Top of Europe), Interlaken. The whole country is amazingly beautiful!

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TOMORROW January 12th is:

• National Curried Chicken Day
• National Kiss A Ginger Day
• National Marzipan Day
• National Pharmacist Day

Tomorrow, for me, is cleaning day. I have to really keep after the basement floor. It’s quite the challenge. Stay warm and have a happy day! God bless…

Still cold enough to stick with the treadmill this morning. The sunrise was beautiful. See the little burst of red from the horizon up into the sky? Calming way to start the day.

I had planned on helping Jen and her friend Carol pack up stuff at the trailer after work, but Jen is a spitfire, and by the time I was done working and got home, the two of them had everything that they could possibly pack already taped shut in boxes, loaded into vehicles, and stored at the garage of their new house. So I’m waiting to hear what the next step is. Nate and Dave were going to pick up another bed somewhere. In the meantime, I’m thinking that with Jen being so aggressive, there are probably cats taped up inside boxes stacked in the garage. Seeing that cats love boxes they will probably be just fine. Now if Piggy got taped into a box – not so much. But I doubt Piggy would FIT in a box!

Laundry load is in the dryer. Dishwasher is unloaded. Lunch is finished and cleaned up. I have an email to write and then I’ll get back to my Piney’s Rest fall story. I’ll iron once the load is finished. Then we’ll see what’s next.

January 10th – Tell a family nickname that you had. How did you get it? “Everyone called me Dot except my Dad and he called me DeeDee.” My dad called me Finnigan when I was very small and Mom made him stop. She said it was a horrid nickname for a little girl! Thanks, Mom – I agree!

Inspiration from calendar page – If you can’t be there in person, ‘visit’ someone with a cheerful call, note, email or txt. I love sending notes and cards.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was, indeed, Alaska. Kathy guessed correctly. Alaska is a huge state and there’s lots to do there. It is a beautiful place. Other points of interest are Tracy Arm Fjord (Glacier Bay Natl Park);  Native Heritage Center, Iditarod Trail, and Seward (Prestine landscapes, Alaskan railway).

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TOMORROW January 11 is:

• National Arkansas Day
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
• National Milk Day
• National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
• Shop for Travel Day

Not traveling for a while yet, and when I do it won’t be to Arkansas. I’m sure there are lovely places to visit there but I have other places at the top of my travel list. Have a tolerable Tuesday! God bless…

Rain, rain, rain. Ugh. But at least you don’t have to shovel rain! As long as it doesn’t freeze we should be fine! I’m waiting on Chris to call me about getting paint for her room. They are not early to rise and shine at that household!

Our Sunday school lesson for this morning was the raising of Lazarus. The boys (JJ & Max) were fascinated by the lesson – about Jesus loving that family, crying with the sisters for their brother’s death, and Lazarus walking out of the tomb. They made Lazarus with white yarn, then they took the extra yarn and wrapped Mary and I! Then they wrapped the snakes. They even helped clean up the crumbs after snack time. But they did really connect with the lesson.

I wanted to post the review for Elizabeth Bromke’s newest release, The Abbey House. It was a great story, and a perfect wrap-up to the Heirloom Island series. Now — waiting on the next series!

The Abbey House is the perfect ending to the three-book saga of three sisters, who are totally different yet totally committed to each other.  Elizabeth Bromke uses the differences as strengths to create a foundation for these sisters to have a future of their own, yet together.  She does an amazing job of bringing out the individual personalities and using these to unite them. Each sister follows her heart to what will fulfill her as a person, in their career, and as a solid support system for each other. There are several surprises and unique circumstances that make the book almost impossible to put down. Everyone needs an Abbey House, a place to go to find themselves, to find answers, and to escape – just for a minute – the uncertainties and fears they face. And ultimately, in the end, realize that they could embrace who they each were and move forward to overcome these uncertainties.  The best line in the book sums it up:  they could appreciate that families were typically a messy, broken bunch of people just trying to make it through life together.  A truth, and a comfort.

My cousin Mark told me after church this morning that he traced the Steiner family back to the 1500’s. In the 1500’s, to Germany. In the 1600’s, Switzerland! My favorite country (other than Home Sweet America). How cool is that? He still needs to verify some facts, but that’s amazing.

Memory book January 9th – What was your father’s date and place of birth? Dad was born in a house just east of Byer, PA, and just west of Plumville, PA. They called the area Walppsburg. It was August 30, 1892.” I remember Mom pointing out the house, or at least the location.

Calendar inspiration today comes from Peanuts:

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Paris and surrounding countryside. The posted photo was Normandy. Just a few of the other points of interest are the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises (day and nighttime), Louvre, Versailles Palace, Mont Saint Michel, Loire Valley castles & Chateaus. Countless more!

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TOMORROW January 10th is:

• National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
• National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
• National Oysters Rockefeller Day
• National Save The Eagles Day
• National Clean Off Your Desk Day

I do like Bittersweet Chocolate! Hope your week is safe and warm and happy! God bless…

It was 9* this morning, so treadmill for sure. I didn’t even want to stick my head out the door. I had warm scones and hot tea for breakfast, did the ironing, and balanced the checkbook. Nate called me at about 11am and said they were going over to the house to shovel and clean, so I met them there at 1:30pm, complete with cleaning supplies, rags, and my snow boots!

Jen had other obligations for an hour or so, but Chrissy and her friend Hope helped clean – looks like they are really working hard, doesn’t it? But they did – they scrubbed every bit of both bathrooms. Chrissy is super excited, and Nate can’t wait to move in next weekend. Here are some photos I took.

Since they ordered pizza, I didn’t have to cook when I got home, so I had a hot tea now I’m ready to post this.

Memory book for January 8th – What was your mother’s date and place of birth? “Mom was born in a house that was on what is Route 85 now. It was between Numine & Byer. It was December 16th, 1898.”

Calendar inspiration is problem solving – anticipate a problem to minimize impact; plan and prepare. Problem is practically solved!

Karen Ober guessed the vacation destination correctly – Creation Museum! Other points of interest in the area are – of course – The Ark Encounter; also Hillforest historic home; Dinsmore historic homestead; USS Sachem Ruins (land-locked abandoned ship); Lesko Lake and bike path. You could easily fill up a long weekend with so many things to do and see!

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TOMORROW January 9th is:

• National Apricot Day
• National Balloon Ascension Day
• National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• National Static Electricity Day
• National Sunday Supper Day 

I will probably take Chrissy tomorrow for paint – she wants to have a forest green bedroom. Looks like my day will be busy again! Love my little family! God bless…

The deed is done: THEY DID IT! After years of wishing and hoping and months of looking, Nate, Jen and Chrissy are the proud owners of a new house! I’m so proud of them, and happy for them, as they embark on this new journey! Lots of room, inside and out. And not too far from me, either, compared to what they started out looking at. I am excited to help them move (hopefully next weekend) and get settled. Nate will be closer to work, Jen can bring her work home, and Chrissy will stay in Hempfield school. Congrats to my little family!

It’s hard to come back down to earth after that – they just txt me about 10 minutes before I typed that. But we woke up this morning to several inches of snow, which I ignored for a few hours before going out to tackle the driveway. It was very cold, but the snow was not heavy. It took a little over an hour and a half to clean the driveway, the decks, and the walkways. During that time, I had two people stop for title work! I may be retired but I don’t always direct my own agenda!

After a shower and a salad, I popped over (cautiously) to Walmart and got potatoes so I could make cream of potato soup (Gen’s recipe). It seemed like the perfect thing for a cold, snowy day. I did laundry and will hopefully get the ironing done after this.

Memory book January 7th – another sparse entry: What was your father’s full name? “Jess Merle Crooks” Grandad Crooks to me! I looked up public records online, and it says ‘Erma Edith Crooks’ and ‘Jess Mearl Crooks’ – More research to see which is correct!

Inspiration from the calendar is that Mid-winter is a tough time, so brighten the journey. Share good cheer and a warm smile!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was… Dallas TX – the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum. There are lots of things to do in Dallas, such as the Guided Chocolate tour, the Southfork Ranch and TV tour, JFK History tour, and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour. Nearby is Rock State Natural Area, and Fort Worth (full of history!) is only a short drive.

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TOMORROW January 8th is:

• National Argyle Day
• National Bubble Bath Day
• National English Toffee Day
• National JoyGerm Day
• National Winter Skin Relief Day 
• National Vision Board Day

Today is my friends April & Quincy’s wedding anniversary. Wishing you many more happy years together. Love you!

Treadmill again – it’s still very cold and windy. But the sunrise was beautiful, if not ominous, predicting the predicted snow! Nate stopped just as I was getting organized for work. Apparently the Snoopy Calendar people are sending out bonus Snoopys. We got a birthday one and an Easter one. That wasn’t part of the original arrangement so I was excited. Those little guys are so cute!

I did some title work for Mike G and was at work 3 times. But it’s all good now. He said his dad is getting therapy for his back and walked 13 steps by himself yesterday. The first since October, so they are very excited. Still praying for full mobility!

When I got home from work I couldn’t get warm. I changed into a heavy sweatshirt, then put on a sweater over top! Socks and slippers! I am comfy now, sitting here typing with a blanket over my legs. I put the floor protector mat back down, because even though it doesn’t stop the water from seeping in, it keeps my feet from getting wet! I think I’ll do a little research on my story since the house is clean, laundry isn’t until tomorrow, and the weather is to get dicey!

Today’s inspiration calendar is ‘your own imagination and creativity make the best fun!’

Not much on the memory pages today and tomorrow – January 6th: What was your mother’s full name? “Edith Erma Eakman” I knew her as ‘Erma’, aka Grama Crooks!

Had a guess again about the location of the Light House. It’s Peggy’s Cove (Nova Scotia), one of the most iconic and photographed Lighthouses. Google the 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Nova Scotia and see the beautiful photos and options, including the Bay of Fundy (world’s highest tides and unique rock formations), 26 hiking trails (including Cape Breton Highlands National Park), cycling paths, 150 lighthouses, historic Fortress of Louisbourg, and whale watching – 12 species. Many historic and natural sites!

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TOMORROW January 7th is:

• National Bobblehead Day
• National Tempura Day

I will probably stay put tomorrow if we get the 3-6 inches of snow they are calling for. A good day to do laundry and write! And read! Have a happy day. God bless…