It’s only 8:00pm but I have not been subjected to any April Fool’s jokes… That’s probably very good – I always have the wrong reaction to those things! Work(s) went well, and I was able to help Auntie D (Ron’s Aunt) with two issues for her truck. That’s always a good thing. I came home, ate lunch, and boiled 5 dozen eggs. Why so many? First and foremost Logan will eat as many hard-boiled eggs and you allow him to. Second, I will be making potato salad, deviled eggs, egg salad, and have a few left to throw in a salad (which I love to do). Then the boys dyed about 4 dozen and will want to take their favorite ones home. So that’s my story!

It did snow some this afternoon, off and on. At one point it was pretty intense, and was covering the ground and the deck. The purple flower planter is silk flowers, so they won’t ‘freeze’!

Logan is playing X-Box on the tv he brought from home. Chase is cuddling with his Mom (taking a break from X-Box). And Peyton (who stayed home because he had to work) was excited because he lettered in basketball — at a school that he doesn’t attend! Because he home-schools he is accepted to play on local school teams. (East Richland Christian School) Way to go, Peyton!

I’m sharing Greg’s message today from Vanderbilt. Decent and in Order. God loves systems and Order. Jesus told his disciples EXACTLY what to expect, what would be said, and how to answer. Then Jesus went to the temple, but then went out, because it was late. He had a plan, and returned the next day. Are you trusting in the systems of God? Trust God for YOUR next step, God has your future. God doesn’t just walk WITH us; he walks AHEAD of us! God is at work before you get there. Worship God with all you have – your soul, mind, heart, strength. They worshipped with cloaks, branches and voices. You can use the many things at your disposal. Be fishers of men!

On this day in 1891 Wrigley Company was founded. In 1954 WQED TV – Channel 13 – began broadcasting. I bet I was one of their first customers – And one of the first to watch The Children’s Corner, with Josie Carey and Fred Rogers – Daniel Striped Tiger, Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, King Friday – that eventually was Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Great memories! In 1970 President Richard Nixon signed a bill limiting cigarette ads (I remember that!). Marvin Gaye died at age 44 in 1984 (shot by his father!). Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker were married in 1961. Birthdays today: Debbie Reynolds in 1932, and Hillary Scott (from Lady A) in 1986. My friends Nancy Miller (from Hempfield Church), Dena Cummins (from Smail Auto) and Danielle Thompson (from Smail Auto) are all having birthdays today. Happy birthday ladies! Hope you had a wonderful day!

TOMORROW April 2nd is:

• National Ferret Day
• National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
• National Reconciliation Day
• World Autism Awareness Day 
• Good Friday

So feed a PB&J sandwich to your Ferret and take time out to consider the sacrifice that was made for you – and me – on that Good Friday all those years ago. Truly – God bless…

I’m not sure if March went out as a lion or a lamb. It was cold and rainy, but sort of mild. I spent the day – as is typical for a Wednesday – cleaning the house. Didn’t spend any time outside today. Tomorrow it is supposed to snow. It it the onion snow? My sister sent me the definition:
“Onion snow” is a term particular to the state of Pennsylvania originated by the Pennsylvania Dutch culture and language, and refers to a snowfall that occurs after the spring onions have been planted, and comes right as they are sprouting. Others say that this late spring snow is an indicator for when it’s a good time to start planting onions. Either way, the snowfall is defined as light and melts quickly, and is usually the final snowfall before the end of the spring season. So there you have it!

We had a nice long window visit with Mom. She really wasn’t as engaged as she usually is – just sat quietly. We did get one or two smiles, but she really didn’t seem interested in what we had to say (who can blame here THERE???) and didn’t want to hold our hand. But we always hope we can leave a little bit of love with her when we leave.

Today I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: Save us, but do it OUR way! The people praising Jesus (Palm Sunday) had a set of expectations and were celebrating, but it didn’t match Jesus’ plans. They wanted a royal image; it was prophesied! But His kingdom was not what they expected. They thought he would display kingly authority. And He did, but differently. He commandeered a donkey, but returned it. Kings could do that, but probably won’t return it! Jesus was patient, showing the people He was giving them a chance to acknowledge Him – but they rejected him. He sent out a message to His enemies: He wasn’t afraid of their power or their hatred. He had a mission and He would accomplish it. – just not what the people expected. They wanted to be promoted to importance; He came to SAVE them. Went from HOSANNA to CRUCIFY HIM! We need to humble ourselves before God – we can’t save ourselves; only through Jesus can we be saved. We can’t do good things to be saved; there’s no score card. We need the blood of Jesus.

On this day in 1889 the Eiffel Tower officially opened in Paris, and in 1918 the first Daylight Savings Time in US went into effect. Liz Claiborne was born in 1929. Isaac Newton died in 1727 at age 84, Charlotte Bronte (wrote Jane Eyre) died in 1855 at age 38, and J P Morgan in 1913.

TOMORROW April 1st is:

• April Fool’s Day
• National One Cent Day
• National Sourdough Bread Day
• National Burrito Day
• Take Down Tobacco Day of Action 

Don’t be a fool – beware!! If you know Rick Kozar, he’s a pro at April Fool’s Day pranks, so be warned! 🙂 Stay out of the snow – God Bless!

It was sunny this morning but cold and windy – opted for the treadmill. By the time I got home, it had warmed up a few degrees but still cold. However, I was determined to spend SOME time outside! I pulled weeds in the stones under the upper deck, then in the herb garden. Went better than I thought. Then I went around and took pictures of the hyacinths – there are still almost a dozen that aren’t totally up yet. Every year right before Easter I buy potted hyacinths and keep them indoors until they are done blooming. Then I plant them in the flower beds. I’ve accumulated quite a collection, and a variety of colors.

Yesterday Chrissy took a few pictures in the rain. I’ll share hers too!

Today I will share Kyle’s message (Palm Sunday) from Hempfield. Do we often ask ourselves: Where is God and when will he FIX this? Jesus’ friends and disciples must have wondered that – the trial was wrong and sinful; the accusers knew the outcome before the trial even began. The whole thing was in violation of Jewish laws, an open rebellion against God. How could the wicked prosper going against God’s people? Why didn’t God come & punish the wicked and let righteousness reign? Jesus is perfect, holy & righteous, but is on trial. The wicked are judging God, but GOD is supposed to judge the wicked? Jesus is silent; he knew the plan, and it wasn’t to destroy the wicked. It was to triumph over the wickedness and die for us. He took all wickedness and sin as his own, and died one death for all humanity. THAT is grace. It had to happen this way. THANK YOU GOD! When we deal with those who are against us, err on the side of grace; let them see God is you!

On this day in 1795 Beethoven has his debut performance as a pianist (Wonder if Schroeder was there??), and in 1798 the Republic of Switzerland was formed – I always wanted to go there and meet Heidi and the Grandfather and Goat Peter and the grandmother and walk up the Alps… In 1948 Niagara Falls stopped flowing for 30 hours due to an ice jam, and in 1951 Julius & Ethel Rosenberg were convicted and sentenced to death for espionage. The last airing of the Carol Burnett Show was in 1978. John Tyler was born in 1790 (10th president) and Sam Walton (founder of Walmart & Sam’s Club) in 1918. John Jacob Aster (US’s first multi-millionaire) died at age 84 in 1948, and in 1939 Clark Gable married Carole Lombard – My mom REALLY liked Clark Gable!!!

TOMORROW March 30 is:

• National Take a Walk in the Park Day
• National Doctors Day
• National I Am in Control Day
• National Pencil Day
• National Turkey Neck Soup Day
• National Virtual Vacation Day

I can get into all of those except for the turkey neck. And as far as being in control, a girl can dream, RIGHT??? So now I’m off to pack for my virtual vacation! God bless… (why not come with me???)

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. Talking about tears cried. Tears of 1) acceptance and joy. Are your eyes open to the fact that Jesus died for you? 2) Agony – Jesus cried tears of agony asking if there was another way – and while he suffered, his friends slept. Are we sleeping while Jesus agonizes? Give the reins to God, he’ll take charge. Jesus erases our sin; He takes failure and we learn from it, takes junk and makes beauty. 3) Anger – Failures are events, not people. God uses people who fail, so give it to God. 4) Accomplishment – It is finished! Redemption – the price has been paid. Trust in your redeemer; don’t believe Satan. You are a child of God. What do YOU do with Jesus? Accept him!

Just the other day we were talking about the Crocus Tea, and that the crocus were blooming. Then Autmn txt me this morning and said it was TIME! The CROCUS WERE BLOOMING (according to her dad)! So we set today – Sunday – for the day; in the afternoon, close to lunch. Chrissy said it was always so fun having ‘guests’ join us, which we have done in the past. Then this morning Autmn called and said that Penny and Josie wanted to come. I knew we’d be stretching the food but it really wasn’t about eating a lot. So I agreed, and then I got another call that Josie’s cousin Aurora wanted to come, too! So, now there were six of us. I got creative and pulled things from the pantry shelves, and we were off and running.

Josephine and Aurora, the little princesses, were dressed alike – pretty flowered shirts and flashy headbands. They were SO excited! Aurora (6) said this was the fanciest thing she had ever done! Josie exclaimed breathlessly that this was the best day of her life! I felt humbled and humored that it was such an exciting event. Autmn got into the spirit and had the girls helping, showing them how to put things in bowls and how to set the table properly. Chrissy and Penny just sort of went with the flow. Autmn also said a very lovely prayer for us. We had quite an array of food – cheese cubes (Penny did the cheese), crackers, M&M’s, cookies, Vienna sausages, fried ham, fried potatoes, pepperoni rolls, applesauce, pineapples, strawberries – Coke and Mt. Dew in stemware glasses. Josie and Aurora ate mostly M&M’s and cookies.

At one point Josie and Aurora managed to stick their spoons to their noses and were very pleased with themselves!

After we ate, Autmn took the girls downstairs and I cleaned up – simply because the dishes were ‘antiques’ and precious and I felt the less people shuffling them the better. The ‘littles’ built towers out of foam blocks while Penny & Chrissy played computer games.

When I dropped them off, they were already talking about next year! So I guess the 10th annual Crocus Tea was a roaring success. Lots of hugs from these excited little ones; such wonderful, precious memories for all of us, ones we will never forget, and I hope they carry the traditions on with their siblings and daughters far into the future! God bless these lovely young ladies – and I’m thankful I was part of making it happen!

On this day in 1794 the Louvre opened to the public, and in 1797 Nathaniel Briggs patented a washing machine (never heard of him… But I like what he did!). In 1881 The Greatest Show on Earth was formed by Barnum & Bailey; Three Mile Island had a major nuclear meltdown in 1979, and in 2009 the first cases of the swine flu in the US (California) were reported. Marlin Perkins (Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom – remember that show?) was born in 1905, Jimmie Dodd (leader of the Mickey Mouse Club) was born in 1910 (He was no young duck when he was in that show!) Reba McEntire was born in 1955, Lady Gaga in 1986. Ivan the Terrible (He must have really been terrible!) died in 1584 at age 53, Dwight D Eisenhower (34th President) died at age 78 in 1969. Emmett Kelly (Famous Clown) died in 1979, Maria von Trapp died in 1987 at age 82 (Inspiration for the Sound of Music), and Earl Scruggs (Flatt & Scruggs) died at age 88 in 2012. In 1920 Douglas Fairbanks married Mary Pickford.

TOMORROW March 29 is:

• National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day
• National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
• National Nevada Day
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day

And just to clarify – Josie and Penny (Josephine and Penelope) are Autmn’s half sisters – they share a mother. Chrissy is Autmn’s half sister – they share a father (my son). And Aurora is Josie’s cousin – on her father’s side! Got that? But see if you can make memories for someone special in your life. It leaves lasting impressions that none of you will ever forget. God bless!

See if you can make memories for someone special in your life. It leaves lasting impressions that none of you will ever forget. God bless!

For all the threats of awful weather all week, it’s been lovely! I was able to walk outside this morning in the sunshine and it was a beautiful day!

I spent the morning doing inside chores, though – changing bed sheets, washing them and putting them away. Mixing homemade bread; taking Chrissy to Karate lessons. When I came home from there, I pulled weeds, cleaned up leaves and swept the patio stones outside the back door. It was so nice to be working outside!

Mary had game night at her place, and it was fun to go over there for the evening. We played KING CORNER – no clue who actually won, but it wasn’t me! Mary, her mom Nancy, and her friends Colleen and Chris were there. We ordered from Johnny L’s – I had a fish sandwich and only ate half. It was really good. What a nice evening. I feel spoiled: The PEEPS on Tuesday, Kath/Paul on Wednesday, and now Mary’s tonight – plus ushering last night!

Tonight is Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry: Farewell Trip (Elijah). There’s a point at which God looks at you and says: you are done. So many signs and messages from God and we haven’t learned anything! We go at it for a very long time and still look to other things instead of toward God. He is with us every step of the way. At some point, we look back to the beginning and the prayers, and battles and victories – and realize that nothing is impossible with God. When it’s our time to be done, we cross over to God alone. God keeps being God – and the work continues on. At the end of his life, Elijah was pensive, but it was Amazing! Even if WE are pensive, we need to look forward to the AMAZING! What Glory to go to God!

On this day in 1513 Ponce de Leon sighted Florida (he will soon discover the fountain of youth!!???). In 1855 Abraham Gesner patented kerosene (never heard of him). ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ – Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds – premiered in 1952, and Mt. St. Helens erupted after 123 silent years in 1980. Mariah Carey was born in 1971; Milton Berle died at age 93 in 2002 and Dudley Moore at age 66 the same year.

TOMORROW March 28 is:

• National Black Forest Cake Day
• National Something on a Stick Day
• National Triglycerides Day
• National Weed Appreciation Day

I appreciate EVERY SINGLE WEED in my yard! honest! I’m not going to eat anything on a stick – we’ll see what we come up with. Already have plans – but it’s a surprise! Will share tomorrow… God bless!

It was SO windy last night and this morning I wouldn’t have been surprised to wake up in OZ. One of my patio chairs blew off the deck, and my white bunny blew into the yard. I opted for the treadmill… Even thought the full moon isn’t until Sunday – it sure is round and white and bright! March’s full moon is actually called a worm moon because it draws robins and birds to feed – a sure sign of spring!

I drove down to Irwin to check on the status of the fridge I ordered back in January. Still no word – but I’m still on the order list… As I walked past an old Victorian house I found a nice display of daffodils. So they are coming around! When I got home, I ate lunch, then melted down chocolate and did my peanut butter pretzel nuggets. It’s my favorite holiday treat. I have to admit, though, that there were as many sprinkles on the floor as were on the pretzels!

Did some laundry then headed up to the Civic Center to usher for Bear – ‘Miss Nelson is Missing’ is playing this weekend (children’s production.) It was a very cute play and the actors were so good! The best part, however, was sitting for 20 minutes after the show, talking to Bear and his brother Bruce (my friend and co-worker from Hanna’s Town) – talking about old shows and schedules and family. I almost felt normal – I left there elated, just spending 20 minutes with special friends!

Greg had a very different type of message this week: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. He gave 10 references to testify that Jesus is the Messiah. 1) Peter – who proclaimed that he believed Jesus was the son of God. It was the first acknowledgement in the scripture of that fact. 2) Paul – all the fullness of God is in Christ. 3) John – Jesus is the WORD – BELIEVE! 4) John the Baptist – the spirit of a dove descended and attested to Jesus’ identity. 5) Works of Jesus attested to himself – you just have to look at His works. 6) God himself proclaimed that Jesus was his son. 7) Old Testament scriptures all about Jesus 8) Jesus himself gave his own testimony. 9) Holy Spirit was sent by God and does/will testify on Jesus’ behalf. 10) WE the believers will testify to Jesus being God’s son, the Messiah. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Greg had a jury set up, and a briefcase of folders with supporting documents that he handed to the jurors. It was an effective testimony!

On this day in 1830 the Book of Mormon was published, and in 1953 Dr. Jonas Salk announced that he successfully tested the polio vaccine; in 1969 Marcus Welby MD series debuted. Robert Frost was born in 1874, Tennessee Williams in 1911, Sandra Day O’Connor (1st woman Supreme Court Justice) in 1930. Leonard Nimoy (Spock on Star Trek) was born in 1931, Nancy Pelosi in 1940, Diana Ross in 1944, and Keira Knightly in 1985. John Winthrop (first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) died in 1649 at age 61, Ludwig Van Beethoven at 56 in 1827 (Schroeder is most certainly in mourning today), and Walt Whitman died at age 72 in 1892 – he was a volunteer nurse in the Civil War.

TOMORROW March 27 is:

• International Medical Science Liaison Day
• National Joe Day
• National Scribble Day
• National Spanish Paella Day

I scribble every day – I have never had clear handwriting! If you see a Joe, congratulate him on his every own day! God bless…

Wonderful outside walk this morning! I saw the first peek of daffodils blooming up the road. I checked mine, but although you can see yellow poking through the buds – no blooms yet.

It was an interesting walk this morning. It’s officially spring when you take account of what has been set at the curb for trash pickup. The short list: A huge, perfectly good maple-colored bookcase, lying on its side. A crib and changing table; a trampoline, Two lawn chairs and a side table (looked fine to me!). A recliner on one street, a plaid couch on the next. A sweeper, a small generator. A kiddie car. A TV stand and a credenza. A blue toilet. A mattress that was tagged ‘FREE’. Discarded flooring. Two bi-fold closet doors. An antique wooden cradle (seemed sad to me!). A metal dining room chair with a tan cushion. A set of dishes marked ‘heavy!’ An empty box from an air fryer. And I really think we could call Ft. Allen the Amazon jungle. I can’t begin to count the number of Amazon ‘smiley’ boxes set out for the trash! All I had was actual trash!

I had eight (count them: EIGHT!) stops to make on the way home from work today, including the post office, getting gas for the car, picking up my Blue Bonnet oleo (Walmart doesn’t carry it anymore!!), a new handle for the upstairs toilet (I fixed it MYSELF!! No kidding!!!), a few gift cards, AAA guidebooks for vacation planning — I has happy and hungry when I got home. I did all my little inside chores, got changed, and opened the door to go outside. It was raining. Bummer. That’s ok. Tomorrow is another day!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill: Determined Savior. We are entreated to Bless the Lord. But how? 1) When we tell his story, share His word. 2) Sharing our personal testimony. 3) Tell GOD about your life’s blessings! Jesus is the perfect example of dealing with emotions, which can be distorted by sin. We have sin, but Jesus is perfect. Another name for determination is commitment. 1) Jesus was determined to communicate the PLAN of God. He told his disciples three times; they heard but didn’t believe him. 2) Determined to WORK the plan of God 3) We must be determined to work God’s plan in our lives. We need to tell the story of God; we have a mission. GO — and make disciples. What’s God’s will for YOUR life; what is the next step?

On this day in 31AD – first Easter, according to Dionysius Exiguuo (Whoever he was! He made calendars…), and in 1967 the Turtle’s HAPPY TOGETHER went #1. (I loved that song- who didn’t??). Aretha Franklin was born in 1942 and Elton John in 1947. In 2005 Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt filed for divorce. In 2019 my high school and church youth group friend Eddie Hertzog passed away. His wife Debbie was also a good friend from youth group. And 36 years ago today my father, Clifford Steiner, passed away. Still miss you Dad! Hope you are collecting heavenly clocks, riding white horses, making everyone laugh, and polishing the antiques! Love you!

TOMORROW March 26 is:

• Epilepsy Awareness Day – Purple Day
• National Nougat Day
• National Spinach Day

Tomorrow – is my day off! No schedule, but lots on my list! Have a Happy Friday! God bless…

It was drizzly this morning but I could walk outside. Lots of interesting little spurts of flowers and a yard full of Easter Eggs – and one neighbor even cut his grass. Not ready for that yet! Got the cleaning the house and finished in good time. My hyacinth is now in full bloom, and the fragrance fills the whole upstairs!

Kath & I went to see mom – window visit. The CDC withheld permission to enter the building. Probably another week or two but we’re looking forward to that! She did get to have a picture that Millie created for her, and we got to hold her hand again. Afterward, we did not have movie night – we spent a while going over information for a potential vacation trip – if it works out. Took some notes and am going to pick up a AAA guide book tomorrow to compare with what we found online. I’m cautiously optimistic!

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: Unless a seed dies… Several people from Greece were seeking Jesus, and asked to see him, but Jesus hid himself. Why? Because the hour had come for him. Like the seed buried in the earth. It’s time for Jesus to die. He draws all people to Himself on the cross. We often have to let go of something good, something we like, to make room for something else. We have to say NO to the good things, which is hard. When we chase after good things we aren’t satisfied. Give it up to make room for Jesus. “GOOD” isn’t enough – go for “GOD!” Give up the good things in life and find LIFE. “This” isn’t all there is – give your life away to gain eternal life. Unless a seed dies it can’t produce fruit. Then, the harvest! Ask yourself: in what ways do I have to ‘die’ for God to fill me?

On this day in 1664 Roger Williams was granted a charter to colonize Rhode Island; in 1958 Elvis joined the US army (serial #53310761 – yes, I have it memorized. Don’t you?), and in 1989 Mary Martin in Peter Pan was first seen on TV since 1973 (Ironic that I just watched that!). Andrew Mellon was born in Pittsburgh PA in 1855, Harry Houdini in 1874, Clyde Barrow (Bonnie & Clyde) in 1909, Joseph Barbera (Hanna-Barbera) in 1911, Steve McQueen in 1930, Tommy Hilfiger in 1951, and Peyton Manning in 1976. Country singer Brett Eldredge is celebrating a birthday today. Jules Verne died age 77 in 1905, and 10 years ago today my best friend Gen’s husband Zane lost his battle with ALS. Still missing you, Zane!

TOMORROW March 25 is:

• National Lobster Newburg Day
• National Medal of Honor Day
• National Tolkien Reading Day

Tomorrow is also nine months until Christmas Day! I’m not ready! Have a happy spring day and God bless!

Well, the long awaited day was finally upon us – The PEEPS got together! (Previously Employed and Employed People from Smails!) We had such a great time! We had spaghetti with meatballs, salad, cheese ball and crackers, garlic bread sticks, and Joelyn brought a bunch of pastries from a local bakery. Yum! They got here about 5:15 and it was past 10pm when they left. I love to hear their opinions and ideas and about work and families and just life! Liz is taking her last class (paralegal) and then she has her internship – then she’s done! I’m excited for her! April has plans to visit her daughter out west (military) in June, and Joelyn is in the process of hiring someone at her work. Everyone has something different going on!

Since it’s late, I’m just going to share Mike’s message from HCC. He talked about Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. Judas made a conscious choice to betray – it was his decision; He made a bad choice, betraying his own friend. We need to look for opportunities to honor God and worship Him – stay close within his will. Consider that in just a FEW HOURS, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried and crucified – no defense! Judas even called him friend, Rabbi – and kissed him . That betrayal brought guilt to Judas and he couldn’t forgive himself. Loyalty is the opposite, but it is often difficult. Judas may have started the betrayal, but all the friends and disciples fled. Our decisions put us in a place of disloyalty and betrayal; of walking away from friends. Jesus kept moving toward the cross without hesitation. He knew he had to do that: God’s plan for our salvation was in Jesus’ death. This is Grace; Amazing!

On this day in 1743 Handel’s Messiah premiered in London, and in 1775 Patrick Henry proclaims: Give me liberty or give me death! In 1922 the first airplane landed at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., and in 1929 the first telephone was installed at the president’s White House desk during the Hoover administration. Joan Crawford was born in 1905, Elizabeth Taylor died at age 79 in 2011, and in 1985 Billy Joel married Christie Brinkley.

TOMORROW March 24 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
• National Cheesesteak Day
• National Equal Pay Day – 

I love chocolate covered raisins! Yum! But it’s late and I’m tired and this is the end for today my friends! God bless —