Treadmill, then baked the scones before my appointment. Bone density scan, and I already know my numbers are down. The doctor’s office will call next week and tell me what that means to me.
Westmoreland Hospital
In the meantime, after I got home I began cleaning – but not my normal routine. I started by scrubbing the basement floor on my hands and knees. I took a before and after picture of one section. It made a big difference, but it’s not perfect. I just have to keep after it. Just finished everything but the dryer load of towels, which will take another half hour. Then supper.
Before scrubbingAfter scrubbing
Today’s inspiration calendar: Beauty is all around us. Let it inspire you every day.
January 5 – Name your brothers and sisters and their years of birth. “James Simon Monroe Crooks – July 22, 1926. Hazel Leone Crooks (Cornman) – March 22, 1928. Joan Ethel Crooks (Gaston Griffith) – May 19, 1938.” My uncle and aunts!
I did have a guess for yesterday’s vacation destination, which suggested Ripley’s in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN. Although that was a logical choice, the destination was actually Branson Missouri! The picture was the Wonder Works house (upside down house). Other attractions there are Silver Dollar City retro amusement park, the Titanic museum, the scenic railway, and the wax museum. There is a Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson as well. Really sounds like a city that would be worth the trip. Lots to see and do.
Titanic Museum
Quote –
Scripture –
Verification that it ISN’T ever too late for a new beginning!
Treadmill again as it was cold. I did go to work in Jeannette, but it was a light morning. I stopped at Kath’s on the way home to drop off a Boy’s Town calendar, and we solved a lot of the world’s problems! Now if the world would just listen to us…
Similar to the one I had
Got a txt early this morning that we were meeting at the church to take the Christmas decorations down and pack them away. We all met there at 1pm – there were seven of us. Many hands make light work! I’m glad Dianne was there to direct the packing. Everything had a place in a specific box or tote. We were there just about two hours, but when we left everything was tucked away in the storage rooms until next year. It was nice to work together and chat as we worked.
After ignoring most of my chores yesterday in favor of reading the Abbey House, today I was able to mix up a batch of scones for baking in the morning, and to get the ironing done. I will get some dinner in a bit, and that’s about all of the chores I have for tonight.
Finished it, and of course I loved it! Perfect ending and even unpredictable!
Today’s inspiration for the calendar: As you move forward, blaze a helpful trail for others to follow!
January 4 – If you have a childhood picture for me, put in in this space. “At Marshalls house – Dot Crooks, Dorothy Marshall, Hazel Crooks, Louise Marshall.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Washington Park in Denver Colorado. A few other worthy sights are the Denver Zoo, 85 miles of biking trails, and the mile high hiking trail. The Botanical Gardens offers native plants and also plants from around the world. It’s 24 acres is one of the most visited and well-loved botanical gardens in the U.S. Gen, have you visited all of these places?
Denver Botanical Gardens
Quote –
Scripture –
Vacation Destination –
So, where is this crazy upside down house? I’ll tell you tomorrow…
Wednesday is a medical checkup day for me in the morning, then probably cleaning in the afternoon. Maybe I’ll even do some research for a writing project I’m thinking about! God bless…
Too cold to be outside this morning – so treadmill it was. I took the Christmas decorations down and packed them away at Pinnacle, so another year is past. Updated some of the files and folders at the Greensburg store – ready for another year to begin.
Todays motivation (from the calendar page) is that today is an opportunity to shine and be my best self. I’m working on it. Does laundry count? Does POSTING THIS count???
Even thought Christmas decorations are packed away for another 11 or so months, I still have a few lights. This one is brightening up the kitchen. I am going to mix up a batch of scones later. For now I am listening to a Hallmark movie – an older one from years ago. As much as this new season of Christmas movies did not appeal to me, I do miss having them on in the background. Mostly it will be back to the radio and CD’s.
I stopped on the way home and renewed my library membership, which had expired a while ago. There are so many programs and options now – I’m excited to make better use of their facilities. First thing is to register online for my account – so I can borrow ebooks. And yesterday I got the newest ARC (advanced reader copy) for Elizabeth Bromke’s newest book – The Abbey House. It’s the last (3rd) book in the Heirloom Island series, the one after the Manger House. I’m about 40% through it at this point. As usual, I love it, and it’s hard to put down. Who knows what chores (if any) I’ll get done til I finish the book!
January 3rd – Do you know any other circumstances of your birth (who was present, who delivered, etc)? “My grandmother Crooks, who lived with us, helped Dr. Clark Smith in the delivery. The rest of the family were there in the house. Uncle Edd, brother Jim (4 years) & sister Hazel (20 months). Dad was there also. They said there was a bad thunderstorm when I was born.” It’s strange to think about babies being born at home. Very few consider that option now.
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Bali, which is in Indonesia. Three best things to see there are the sunsets, island tours (waterfalls and lagoons), and Monkey Forrest. Bali offers lots of sports activities, like hiking and snorkeling. Weather is usually in the 70’s or 80’s – with a pronounced rainy season. Beautiful scenery! If you go, send pictures!
Quote –
Scripture –
THIS is working on being my best self….
Vacation Destination –
Take a guess – I’ll tell you tomorrow where it is!
I was so thankful that the rain stopped. The temperature did drop and it was windy, but at least no rain for now. It was so nice to wake up in fresh sheets, to a clean house, and an organized garage.
Brand-new, soft flannel sheets.
Mary and I stopped after Sunday School and had breakfast together. It was nice to just sit – the two of us – and talk for an hour. And I didn’t have to cook when I got home; added bonus! But I did change clothes and went back out to the garage and cleaned another section of shelves. I went through my recycled gift bags and was critical of the ones that were crumpled and coming apart. Also organized the extra storage bags and paper products. It all makes so much more sense now. I even rearranged the paint shelf and the Easter shelf. Great success!
Easter shelf – and the ‘absence’ of paint is the key!Neat storageCrafts and wrapping paper/gift bag storage
I washed a load of towels and an old painting sheet and my outside jacket, all of which were long overdue. My plan for this evening is to iron and plan out next week. I also paid bills – which is never actually fun :(. But necessary!
If you haven’t figured it out, yesterday’s destination was Newport Rhode Island. Hoping it will be a vacation destination for us this summer. Some of our favorite things to do would be the Cliff Walk (3 miles), the gilded mansions (which can be toured), the beaches, and the history. And great seafood!
Cliff walk
January 2nd: Where were you born? Be specific. “I was born in the parlor of the Crooks homestead. The address was Smicksburg, Pennsylvania. We were 3 miles from Plumville, PA, but they didn’t deliver mail. Many years later the Home post office became our mailing address.”
Quote – The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney.
Walt Disney
Scripture – Psalms 18:49
Vacation Destination:
Would you like to visit here? Location disclosed tomorrow!
Mom loved chocolate covered cherries. I was never a fan. I could probably get into tossing fruitcake. And I will thank God for each day, Monday or not, one at a time! Happy back-to-work day; the new year has begun. God bless..
My intention was to sleep in, but I really didn’t. Even though I had finished taking the decorations down last night (a little before 1am!), I still had things to do this morning. I did 2 loads of laundry and then packed away all the Christmas clothes – PJ’s, sweaters, leggings, socks, t-shirts, etc. That took a while to organize. I also had to gather up all the coasters (I won’t publicly admit to how many different ones I have…) and replace the Christmas ones with either winter ones or just every day ones. That was all done by noon. I grabbed a piece of leftover pizza then started cleaning.
Everyday coasterWinter coaster – this was Mom’s. It reminds me of the print that Paula buys for Gery in GODWINK CHRISTMAS.
Everything looks so nice, being clean. It also looks very plain and sparse, with all the lights and colors and glitter tucked away. I will miss my favorite pieces (Snoopy mugs, outdoor lighted reindeer, tree, etc), but after a while I’ll settle down. There’s always next year. And the house actually looks bigger! If it weren’t for the water issue in the basement, I would be perfectly content. Sigh.
Deer blanket and pillowNo tree in the corner – and another winter blanket on my chair.
I also got all the new calendars up, and changed the big Snoopy one. That takes a bit of time. There’s really not much going on in January (yet) except a routine doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, and Kelly and Autmn have birthdays. After the last 8 months, that’s fine with me!
Ready for JanuaryStarting over…Linus and Sally are ready for 2022My new page-a-day. We’ll see how I like it…
We are starting over, in order this time. Some of the questions have already been posted last year. And some don’t give out much information. January 1st is What was your day and date of birth? ” Sunday July 20th 1930.” Mom and I were both born on a Sunday.
Scripture – 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived–God has prepared these things for those who love him.”
Vacation destination –
Can you Guess? I’ll post the location tomorrow.
Have a great day in the House of the Lord! God bless…
Just a quick post – I have spent the entire day taking down and repacking the boxes upon boxes of decorations and lights. Right now the house is a total clutter! Still a few things to do, then I can thoroughly clean from top to bottom! Chrissy came over for the afternoon and helped, and it was a HUGE help!
Trying to organize things on snack trays…Totally messy garageSnoopys overtaking kitchen!Chrissy’s stash – Christmas plate and bowl (filled with candy) and noisemakers for tonight!
As of tomorrow I will have a slightly different format – no ‘this day in history’ – I’ve had two years of that, and I’m sort of tired of reading the same ones over and over. I imagine you are, too. So I’ll close out my posts with something different (TBD), but will still stick in the national ‘holidays’ at least for a while.
Memory book – December 31st: What special memories do you have of New Years Eve or New Years Day? “My mother and us kids would walk up to visit the sink family. It was almost always foggy so we walked in the ditch & held hands. Dad went along once in a while. Dad always shot off the shot gun. New Years Day was spent making New Years Resolutions. We took that very seriously when we made them.”
On this day in 1862 President Lincoln signed an act admitting West Virginia into the union; in 1946 President Harry Truman officially proclaimed the end of WWII. In 1966 the Monkees’ ‘I’m a Believe’ hit #1 and stayed there for seven weeks, and in 1985 Ricky Nelson was killed in a plane crash at age 45. In 1961 the Beach Boys had their first ‘gig’ in Long Beach, CA. John Denver was born in 1943. Roberto Clemente – Pittsburgh Pirates player – died at age 38 in 1972, and I just heard that Betty White (who would have turned 100 on January 17th) passed away peacefully early this morning in her sleep. And in 2012 Playboy founder Hugh Hefner (86) married Crystal Harris, age 26.
Ricky Nelson – heart-throb! Beach Boys – Wow, they were young!Betty White
FINALLY – I had a call back from one of the plumbers, and he came out this morning to look things over. He feels confident that he can fix the issue – he promised he’s ‘get me try’. He spent a lot of time there and we went over a number of things. He will call me with the plan and prices after the first of the year. Step one!
So happy to have the first step accomplished!
I stopped at Pinnacle Jeannette but they didn’t have anything. Pinnacle Greensburg had a few things to do. I came straight home, changed clothes, and started outside. The weather was warmer and sunny, so I took down all the outside lights and decorations (Waaaa!) and put them away. The reindeer were a little spooked about being shut back in the shed for 11 months – but I’ll visit them often. I did put the fading blue/white lights on the deck banister which will stay up until spring. So there will be SOME cheer out there!
See how they are part white and part blue? They change colors
After a lunch of leftover Jioio’s pizza I started taking down inside decorations. I washed all the tea towels, etc, and gathered up stockings and Santa hats and blankets and packed them away. Then I took down all the window clings and door decorations. It took me a while to do that, so now I’m stopping for a quick drink of Diet Pepsi and to post the Word Garden. I may do another box this evening, but we’ll see. I think Chrissy is coming over to help me tomorrow, just for a little while.
Jioio’s yummy pizza
So here are some photos of yesterday at Hanna’s Town. I stopped at the tavern before the programs started – they had it decorated for an 18th century Christmas. The Education Center room had a tree, nativity and a huge train; and pretty candles on the counter.
Candles in the tavernTree decorated with applies and wafersThe tavern bar decorated with ivy and holyTree in the education centerNativityTrain displayFestive candlesCabin display – made from Lincoln Logs – in the Museum Gallery
The activities were: Making vintage homemade cards, with inked stamps, stickers, markers, and confetti. There were wooden tree ornaments that they could color and decorate as well. The next table had foam ornaments with glittery stickers to make patterns, and round wooden ornaments that they could make reindeer faces using brown paint on their thumb – then adding faces and antlers. That was my favorite. I think the kids’ favorite was decorating the cookies. The icing was a little messy, even with the tubes, but it washed right off. Several kids just globbed on the icing, sprinkled candies on, and ate it right there!
Making vintage cards – examplesWooden tree ornaments (example)Foam ornaments – examplesReindeer ornament – see the example in the top center???Stocking cookies – tubes of icing and candy sprinkles
The Westmoreland Symphony put on a program with a violinist. Pam read the true story about Itzhak Perlman (violinist), accompanied by different songs every few pages. Both the kids and adults loved hearing the story. Take a minute to google Itzhak and see his amazing story. Teresa brought her grandson Grant out, and they enjoyed all the activities. I’m so glad they came!
Pam on the left with the bookTeresa in the center with the hat; Grant in front with the orange mask
Memory book – December 30th: Did you ever make New Years’ resolutions? “Yes. They were things that would make our life & the whole family’s life better. Example – 1. Come when first called to come. 2. Don’t bite my finger nails. 3. Read more, especially the Bible.” All good advise!
On this day in 1809 wearing masks at a ball was forbidden in Boston (hmmmmmm). The Soviet Union was established in 1922. Davy Jones of the Monkees was born in 1945, and Michael Nesmith (also of the Monkees) was born in 1942. Tiger Woods was born in 1975.
Leap Second Time Adjustment Day(Note: This is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments. But, if they do, then it’s done on either June 30 or December 31.)
I’ll start this out by thanking Deb for the tip – she called to tell me that Aldi’s had restocked Oyster crackers! Stopped on the way home from Hanna’s Town and bought some. Thanks Deb!
All stocked up.
I will devote this page to my sister on her birthday. Tomorrow I will post about the Holiday Family Day at Hanna’s Town.
Hanna’s Tavern – 18th century!
A lot of people think Kath is older – just because she presents herself as mature and responsible, which she of course is. She went to college first; married first; had babies first. But I am actually 4 years her senior!
Kath, Mom, me – goodness, we looked very sober!
We had a lot of fun growing up together. We lived in a neighborhood where kids played outside, and all knew each other. It didn’t matter if our playmates were girls or boys. We just ganged up and had fun! The house that originally belonged to my paternal grandparents had two owners during our growing-up years, and both had girls about Kathy’s age. She was friends with Joanne and then Linda, and they played together day and night.
Neighborhood gang – one of the plays. Kath is on the far right; Linda is directly beside her!
We would play board games, and put on plays for the neighbors (mostly the moms, as they were all stay-at-home), and more than anything we would ride bikes. We played sheriff and outlaw and knew our travel boundaries, and had a wonderful time together.
Riding bikes – in the HOUSE???
And of course a HUGE part of our childhood was spent at Grama’s house, or at the cabin. Home (PA) still draws our hearts – because of the sweet memories and also the close fellowship and blessings with our Skunk Hollow cousins!
Grama Crooks on the far left; cousins and aunts – Kathy is the last little one on the right.Skunk Hollow cousins – all grown up! Kath is in the center in the back (Blue sweater)
Although she had an early onset of mischievousness (like drawing on my bedroom window screen with bright colored crayons, and using my Golden books to practice drawing and cutting), those were blessed and fun times! As we got to be older teens, we became not only sisters and playmates but best friends. And today, I don’t know what I would do without her — and I don’t ever want to find out!
Me and Kath – she’s on the rightKath and I – she dressed herself; her dress is on backwards!Kath and Paul – saying I DO!Kath (left) and I – my baby sister!Kath always had a bandage on her knee or her toe – and she always lost a shoe in the creek!Mom, me, and Kath in the front. Again, really sober faces!Putting on plays – Kath was a string bean; I was a snowflake!Opps! X-rated!Dad and me and Kath – looks like she’s missing a few teeth here!
Wishing a wonderful birthday to my wonderful sister. May your days, years, hours, and minutes be filled with God’s blessings of joy and health and happiness!!
Our favorite place – Colonial Williamsburg!Savanah sisters!
Every birthday we dress up Suzie Squirrel and pass her back and forth. This year I found a picture of Kathy with her friends E-Anne and Susan and decided to duplicate it. I love this picture.
Susie Squirrel wrapped in garland and bells. Happy birthday Kathy! (Original picture in bottom right)
Memory book – December 29th: Is there anything else that you would like me to know about MY childhood? “You were always ‘directing’ the neighbor kids in plays you either wrote yourself or adapting plays already written. You always took care of your books & things. When Kathy came along it was a challenge for you to keep them from being abused. We did our best!” Well, that just verifies my previous comments! Love you, Sis!
On this day in 1945 Texas became the 28th state. Andrew Johnson – 17th president – was born in 1808, and Mary Tyler Moore in 1936. And of course, Kathy is celebrating today. Happy birthday to my favorite sister EVER!!
Mary Tyler MooreFlag of TexasHat’s off (or on!) to my sister!
When I woke up this morning, the sun was bright and shining. It was still fairly cold, but I bundled up and took a walk outside. It felt good to get some fresh air today.
Diane sent me this photo just as I was setting out to walk.
After breakfast and a shower, I decided to use an unexpected extra day off to get a few groceries. I had already been to our Walmart and Aldi, so I headed to the North Huntingdon stores. While I was down there (grin) I stopped at Miller’s Crossing Fleatique. There were SO MANY NEW THINGS! It was a treat walking around and seeing everything. I did not, however, spend a penny! This was a ‘window shopping’ visit. I did, however, FIND a shiny new penny in the parking lot!
My shiny lucky (?) penny
I still did not find two things on my grocery list. I will try again next week, because they were not urgent items. One was oyster crackers. Who knew that oyster crackers were on the endangered list? Last month it was decafe tea bags!
No, no! Not oysters. Oyster CRACKERS…
When I got home I had the last of my ham for lunch, and a cookie. I love ham, so I’ll miss it. And here is the picture I was telling you about that Kelly’s friend drew: A caricature of me as a Peanuts character, with Snoopy typing. She did a pretty good job!
ME as a Peanuts character!
Kelly txt me early this afternoon with the wonderful news that her vision was back to normal, and her eye surface looks good. No more appointments for a month! God is good, all the time. THAT is praiseworthy! Thanks for all of our prayer warriors out there.
Angels dancing…
My exciting task for this afternoon was to write out my thank you notes (finally!) and to update my Christmas card label list. Wow. Can’t get more exciting than that!
Task completed…
Just got a call from my ‘plumber’ contact – tomorrow or Thursday. I’m so excited!!!!! Maybe I can get started on a solution to this water issue after all!
One small spot – one huge basement!
I did walk around and snap a few pictures of some of my favorite decorations. Thursday I will start taking them down. It’s always a sad, sad day – but once I start, I’m driven to finish.
My cute, tiny treeSnoopy in the ‘snow’.My own little North Pole
Memory book – December 28th: Is there anything else you would like me to know about your childhood? “I was always ‘busy.’ I liked to do things that kept me moving around. My older sister Hazel liked the work in the house. I liked to be out in the garden in the summer. My brother left me follow him around & I have always been glad I had him to teach me about nature, animals & sports.” So her love of flowers and gardening goes way back. Good to know!
On this day in 1065 Westminster Abbey was consecrated in London; in 1732 Benjamin Franklin began publication of Poor Richard’s Almanack. In 1832 John C Calhoun became the first vice-president to resign (differences with President Andrew Jackson), and in 1846 Iowa became the 29th state (Hey Drown family – this ones for you!!!). BRIGHT EYES (Shirley Temple) premiered in 1934, featuring the song ‘On the Good Ship Lollipop.’ And in 1975 the term ‘Hail Mary’ as used for a football play was born. In 1956 Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha on Bewitched) married Gig Young – wonder if Gladys Kravitz was spying on THAT. And Natalie Wood married Robert Wagner in 1`957 – I’d have married him, too! Yum! They are my favorite all-time celebrity couple. Clayton Moore (Lone Ranger) died at age 85 in 1999; Debbie Reynolds (actress – Tammy & the Bachelor and Singin’ in the Rain) died in 2016 at age 84 – one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away; and Dennis Wilson (Beach Boys) at age 39 in 1983. Woodrow Wilson – 28th president – was born in 1856, and my niece Sarah is celebrating a birthday today. She is a very busy young working wife and mother of two – Here’s to a fabulous day and a wonderful year, full of God’s blessings and happy days! Love you!
Sarah with WyattSarah & KyleSarah with MillieBright Eyes – Shirley TempleSamantha’s spying neighborKemo SabeDebbie Reynolds as Tammy
Tomorrow is Holiday Family Day at Hanna’s Town, from 11am until 3pm. Lots of activities, crafts, and a special story time at 1pm. Be sure to stop out and be part of the fun. I plan to be there! God bless…
Today would have been the perfect day to sleep in – cold, rain-mixed with icy snow, dreary. But it was indeed a work day for me! There wasn’t so much to do that I was gone very long. I got gas for the car and a battery for my Snoopy watch, something I hadn’t worn in about 12 years – I didn’t want to pair it with my fitbit.
Snoopy up and running
I had a piece of cornbake (Thanks, Kath!) and some green beans for lunch, then set about a few afternoon chores. I pressed off the new pillowcases from the Hancher family – can’t wait to put the sheets on the bed on Saturday! I also took a picture of my ‘charm’ bracelet (featuring Snoopy) from the Burke family. Perfect Christmas!
New flannel sheetsPatriotic Snoopy charm bracelet
I watched an old Hallmark movie (from 2014) called Angels and Ornaments, and I was surprised that I had never seen it. Although it was a little far fetched I really liked it, and the actor who played Harold (perfect angel name, right???) did a wonderful job! It’s thundering outside right now, rather surprising for December. I guess maybe nothing should surprise us these days! Supper is next, then thank you cards.
Harold is on the far left
Tomorrow I hope to get an update on Kelly’s eye. Nate just called with the good news that the closing for their house is to be on Monday! So happy for them. It’s been a long time coming. God bless my wonderful family – all of them!
Memory book – December 27th: Do you remember celebrating any special wedding anniversaries of your parents or grandparents? “We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Grandma & Grandpa Eakman with an open house at their farm. I think it was around 1947. Grandma wore the ‘gold dress’ to your Dad’s & my wedding. We celebrated my mother & dad’s 40th wedding anniversary. We made a money ‘tree’ and had cookies.”
On this day in 1947 the Howdy Doody show debuted, and in 1932 Radio City Music Hall opened, featuring the Rockettes. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) died in 2016 at age 60.
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