Well, the day didn’t go exactly as expected but it was perfectly fine. Another night of not falling asleep – I finally did at 5:30am and woke up with the alarm at 7am. I’m sleepy now but I’ll hold off until actual bedtime.

Happy birthday to Jen! Her and Nate had plans, I think, so I didn’t get to drop off her card. I couldn’t have gotten out of the driveway anyway until just a few minutes ago. Bu Jen – hope your year is amazing and your dreams come true! Love you!

Cameron with Gigi Jen.

There was a LOT of snow (probably 8 inches at least) and the temps were very cold. Right now it’s 9*. I was supposed to have help with the driveway but that fell through at the last minute. I bundled up and went out about 5 or 6 separate times (short intervals) to clear and shovel.

Front walk

Front of the house

Bottom of the driveway

Side of driveway

Lilac hedge

Back deck.

Autmn called at 2:30pm and said Noah was going to finish the drive for me, which was a relief. He cleaned the rest of it and spread salt, so for now it’s clear. He also game me a number of someone who will be available when it snows so that will really help. While Noah worked outside, Cameron and I played with everything! He’s such a little man! It’s hard for me to believe he’s only two! We did a nativity sticker page, and sang and danced to ‘Up on the House Top’, and read a book about Santa Cow.

Eating chocolate and playing with a vintage Santa!

Cameron playing with Fozzie – and holding the mailbox!

I will have to catch Hempfield live stream later tonight or tomorrow. I may have to work tomorrow but I’ll call first — sometimes when they are plowing the lot they prefer that extra cars aren’t in the way. So we’ll see.

Hempfield’s welcome center

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 15th is:

Cat Herders Day; National wear your Pearls Day; National Cupcake Day; Bill of Rights Day; International Tea Day.

No pearls here! And I’ll pass on the cupcake. Maybe Nate and Jen will herd their cats! I’ll have a cup of tea. God bless…

Typical start to Saturday – change and wash sheets, get organized for the weekend and the week ahead. It was overcast but no snow at 8am. Just waiting to see when this whole thing would start. I had several morning chores in addition to laundry – and did title work for my cousin. Had some Christmas projects to do, and cleaned out the freezer downstairs, and am defrosting a container of Stuffed Pepper Soup, which sounds good for this cold weather. About 2pm the first flakes started to fall.

I had ironing to do, and finished organized the kids’ Christmas. I took a break mid-afternoon and found a very old VCR tape, and watched ‘Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg.’ I BOUGHT it years ago, but it was made years before that. I venture to guess that if that same concept were recorded today it would be very different. But it was fun, anyway – a half hour of Colonial celebrations.

Colonial Governor Lord Botetourt

It’s 7pm and there is a bit of snow now. I’m not going out tonight at all – so we’ll see if I can get the driveway cleared in the morning. No one around to lend a hand, and I’m not the person I was 3 years ago, so it will be a challenge to get it clear. I’m thinking I won’t get out of the driveway in time to make church.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 14th is:

National Bouillabaisse Day; National Wreaths Across America Day; Monkey Day; Choral Day; Free Shipping Day; Hanukkah; Roast Chestnuts Day; Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

It’s also Jen’s birthday tomorrow! I’ll celebrate that, and if I think about it I will light one of my Christmas candles. Have a safe, wonderful day! God bless…

I decided first thing that I would get my groceries before we had to worry about the weather. I got everything I needed and was home by lunch time. I had toast for lunch then started on my primary project. I did chocolate drizzled popcorn first.

Two bowls of these.

Next I did the pretzels – holiday shapes.

And then I did the Holiday Oreos in milk chocolate. I did as many mint Oreos as I could with the dark chocolate, and I just taste-tested one. Yum.

Dark ones on the left are mint; Milk chocolate on the right are holiday.

Very good.

Leftover holiday Oreos

I have all the family candy piled on the couch, and plan on wrapping it once I’m done here. I only have a few little token gifts to wrap so I should be able to get them done, as well.

Last night with the snow on the lights was beautiful! So I snapped some photos.

Front porch

Front yard

Lantern and Snoopy in the back

View out my back door.

Then today the neighbor turned on his big reindeer during the day – it gives you an idea about how big it is.

Also, my next door neighbor is moving! There was a for sale sign in the yard last week, and I saw them today. Matt got a new job, and they are moving back home — to the Indiana/Marion Center area. They seem very excited about moving back. I told them about my ‘Home’ connection!

And Dottie, who used to live in that house, posted a picture of her horses in the snow. She said they love playing and being outside, even in the snow!

Isn’t this a great photo?

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 13th is:

National Unity Day; National Guard Birthday; National Violin Day; National Cocoa Day; National Day of the Horse; National Ice Cream Day.

I haven’t had hot cocoa in a very long time. But I DO have ice cream very often! God bless…

TODAY is my niece Hannah’s birthday! Many more, and enjoy this brand new year of your life! Love you!

And it’s also my cousin Mark’s birthday – have a great day and a wonderful year! Sending love!

(Hannah is a hiker and a runner; Mark is a biker)

I was out almost all day. Got home (finally) at 6pm and it was snowing. I guess there is a winter storm watch until Sunday. I was planning on going for groceries tomorrow but we’ll see what the weather does. Nothing urgent — yet!

A little snow…

Had just a bit to do at work this morning – then picked up Kathy and we did some shopping. I use the term lightly because I don’t think either one of us bought anything. We ended up at Burger King for lunch and sat talking for a long time. It was nice not to have to rush through anything.

Once I dropped Kathy off I was working on my to-do list for the weekend. I decided not to combine my two lists – one is to get the candy choices that my family want for Christmas. The other is groceries! So I went out to search for their favorite candies. I was almost successful – but still didn’t find Autmn’s choice. I even looked online! So I may have to get a second choice from her.

Everyplace says ‘sold out’ or unavailable!

Tomorrow I plan to wrap the few presents I have here, and then do chocolate covered pretzels, Oreos (mint flavor), and popcorn. That should keep me busy! And I have a whole list in addition to that!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

(This is one of my key verses)

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 12th is:

National Salesperson Day; National Ding-a-ling Day; National Ambrosia Day; National Poinsettia Day; Gingerbread House Day; Lost and Found Day.

My dad and my ex were both salespeople by occupation. I couldn’t sell an ice cube to a man in the desert! I haven’t done a gingerbread house since the grands were tiny. I do my share of losing and finding, for sure. God bless…

I did sleep better last night – slept from about 10pm until 6:30am – only got up once. Got started right away on cleaning and laundry. The big thing today was the Wasseling party at my friend Don’s house. I met Don the first day that I worked at Smail’s – June 17th 1967! So we go way back. He always has a lovely party – good food, beautiful home, lovely people. Here are pictures from the evening!

Food table, plus white chili and salad. (And chips and candy on the coffee table.)

Cute Christmas charcuterie board.

‘Black Forest’ (??) cake

More food

Sunroom Snowman (Oxymoron???)

Sharon collects nativities

Beautiful pictures

House pillow

Mantle is beautiful

Tree in the foyer

Entryway welcome

Don’s friend from high school (Glenda) and her husband

Dan Robertson on the right – we worked together at Smail’s

Don’s wife Sharon (right) and her friend Sue)

Don (right) and his friend, the ‘judge’.

We had a lovely time visiting and eating and laughing! I’m always thankful for the invitation. They are very sharing, kind people.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 11th is:

National Stretching Day; National app Day; National Noodle Ring Day; Christmas Jumper Day; International Mountain Day.

I like noodles, and I like Christmas. And after being in Biltmore, I love the mountain views. God bless…

I could NOT fall asleep last night. I think I slept about an hour and a half. I’m about to prop my eyes open with toothpicks! I think it will be an early night – but not too early. Then I’ll be up well before dawn! Autmn called me about 8am that she was on her way into town to get Cameron, who spent the night with Scott and Trina. They were going to spend the morning at my place and visit with her sisters after lunch.

Autmn

First thing this morning there was a fire a few blocks from me. An entire house went up in flames, and was a total loss. It’s a very sad thing. I didn’t get any other details, but I think it was an older couple, like my age or so. Please pray for them as they face this life change.

view from my window.

Totally engulfed – news photos.

I made muffins for breakfast for today and the rest of the week, then after lunch I made Flax Balls for the Christmas holiday.

Cinnamon Streusel chocolate chip.

Flax balls.

Cameron gets busier and smarter every time I see him! And he loves to be here! He was wearing my Santa hat and my Snowflake headband. He absolutely loved the tree. We were busy the whole time, playing and singing and snacking.

Playing with his bouncy ball.

Playing ‘mailman’

Just having fun.

Santa-Cam

We had ‘Up on the Housetop’ playing and he was singing along – Ho Ho Ho!

Ho Ho Ho!!! Hope this comes through! It’s a 3 second movie clip.

He was building a tower for the cow.

Building the tower for his cow – wearing his trusty snowflake band.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 10th is:

National Lager Day; Human Rights Day; Nobel Prize Day.

I think tomorrow will be ‘clean the house’ day! God bless…

‘Tis the season. I was busy all day. Am taking a break to post this then I’ll grab supper. Maybe. It’s almost 8:154pm. It’s 19* and mostly cloudy and I’m glad I’m inside — and that I don’t work tomorrow!

Went to work this morning and was there for an hour – but not much going on. Stopped and got a few items at Aldi and Walmart. Kath was at Walmart, too, so we chatted in the aisle for quite a while! Doesn’t it make you crazy when people do that? After lunch I did two loads of laundry, then baked Candy Cane cookies and Pie dough Cinnamon Rolls. I just iced them and they are chillin’ in the fridge until I can freeze them. And that was my day.

Candy Cane cookies

Cinnamon rolls – I did just ice them.

Autmn and Noah and Cameron popped over to borrow the pack n play. Cameron is staying with Noah’s parents tonight so Autmn and Noah can go to dinner and a movie. I ran out to the car to say hello and he wanted to GET OUT and come in the house! Hopefully tomorrow when Autmn comes in to pick him up she can stop here for a bit.

My little guy!

Beth posted a few pictures that I didn’t have (from Saturday) so I am posting them below…

Gail and Santa Connie

Me explaining Biltmore to Colleen and Karen

Colleen (in her cow sweater!) and Karen

Sisters!

Gwen with her mom and me

Karen, Kathy, and Gwen

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 9th is:

Lutefisk Day; Christmas Card Day; National Pastry Day; Weary Willie Day; National Llama Day.

I’m still working on Christmas cards. I made my pastry today. Have a lovely Tuesday. God bless…

Happy, happy birthday to Gen! We’ve been friends since the first day of 9th grade – met at the lunch table at Youngwood Junior High! And we’ve shared a lot of life together. Have a great year, Gen – and the B&B is always open!

Gen’s last visit to our B&B! (she’s on the right)

I was looking on Facebook at the adoption pictures of Ninth Life Rescue – Jen’s rescue. She posts the new adoptions every week or two. And there was a picture of my niece Sarah and family – Kyle, Millie, Wyatt and the new puppy Lucas! I’m so happy it all worked out for them!

Millie, Kyle holding Lucas, Sarah, and Wyatt.

So now, back to yesterday’s Skunk Hollow Christmas. We got there about 1pm – there were eight of us, plus Aunt Joan. Karen O and Holly were both sick and couldn’t join us. We desperately missed them! Can’t wait to plan another event so we can all be together. We never quit talking – or eating! – the whole afternoon! We always have so much to share. And Colleen’s farmhouse is absolutely beautiful. They added a garage this past year and what a difference it made. She was very excited and happy about it, for sure. And we are totally happy for them!

New garage

Pictures of the girls:

Karen V and Colleen

Gail and Connie

Beth and Gwen

Beth, Gwen and Karen V

Connie in her Mrs. Santa dress and flashing tree headband.

Kathy and Colleen

Karen O, Kathy, Aunt Joan.

Karen O and Beth

Pictures of the House:

She even switches out the pictures!

We loved going to Grama’s house!

For sure!

Beautiful sketch!

Living room fireplace

Kitchen cupboard.

Nativity on the porch.

Front porch

The barn where the cows live – taken from the porch

I always write a story or essay, and this time it was about our trip to Biltmore. I have my tablet with me as the pictures are more fun to see on that. Kathy was showing them to Aunt Joan, and when she was done, Aunt Joan said, ‘Was any of that real?’ Kathy said that absolutely, all of it was. And truthfully, it’s hard to believe, but we were there and can attest to that fact. I’ll post Biltmore pictures at the end of the week.

Aunt Joan bundled up warm!

Kathy and I were two of the last ones to leave. We enjoy the longer drive home, as we can share conversations and relive the evening. So blessed to have these ladies as part of our lives!

Colleen, Karen O, Kathy, Gail, Connie, Beth, Aunt Joan, Gwen.

Colleen, Me, Karen O, Kath, Gail, Connie, Beth, Aunt Joan, Gwen.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY: (sort of…)

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 8th is:

National Crossword Solvers Day; National Brownie Day; Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day; National Blue Collar Day; National Lard Day.

I used to use lard in my homemade bread – Grama’s original recipe. Now I use Crisco. I have a terrific brownie recipe. I don’t think I’d like to time travel…. God bless!

Today was our Skunk Hollow Girls Christmas event. It was wonderful! Right now it’s late and I have another busy day tomorrow, so I’m going to just post this small note and call it a day. I have lots of pictures of Colleen’s beautiful farmhouse and my precious cousins that I will post tomorrow. But here is Colleen’s Snowman tree to keep in the spirit of the holiday.

I’m sure there were at least a dozen Amish buggies/wagons go past her house – I could snap a picture of two of them through the window.

Horse and buggy

Horse and wagon

In the meantime have a lovely Lord’s day!

SCRIPTURE of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow December 7th is:

National Slime Day; National Cotton Candy Day; National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; National Letter Writing Day.

Tomorrow is also my New York friend Gen’s birthday, which I will celebrate her friendship even across the miles. I may write a letter, or maybe a few Christmas cards. God bless!!!

Well, let’s see if I can recap today. After breakfast I did laundry, did some research, worked on the final version of my Skunk Hollow story for tomorrow, then made Pepperoni balls to take. I left the house at 1pm and got gas in the Mazda, then stopped at Norwin Giant Eagle to get Christmas Kleenex. I had a CT scan at 2:15 that involved a lot of breathing and holding my breath!

From there I went to Miller’s Crossing to get honey, and I found another TY skunk,. That makes seven I think!

I stopped at Walmart to get all the ingredients to make Flax balls (cookies) for later in the month.

Hope to do them the end of next week….

Since I missed lunch, I came home and made myself a burger and ate it with half a bun (it was a big bun!). I got everything for tomorrow gathered up and tucked in my Skunk Hollow tote bag and now that is all ready to go. I turned on A Biltmore Christmas (of COURSE I did!) and wrote out about 3/4 of my Christmas cards. Now I’m posting and that will be it for the night.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow December 6th is:

National Microwave Oven Day; National Play Outside Day (too cold!); Mitten Tree Day; St. Nicholas Day; National Miner’s day; Candle Day; Crate Day; Put on your own Shoes Day; Tree Dressing Day.

Tomorrow is our Skunk Hollow Girls Christmas Party at Colleen’s. Always fun to look forward to! I would probably wear mittens rather than hang them on a tree. I usually DO put on my own shoes! Have a lovely weekend! God bless…