Even though it was 27* this morning, it was bright and sunny so I walked outside. It was a brisk walk to keep warm! One yard I passed had a little patch of crocuses poking out of the hill – when they bloom they will look amazing!

So the new ‘drain’ guy came and cleared out the sewage pipes. He said it was full of roots, and the last guy just kind of ‘drilled’ a whole through the roots to open it up, but they grew shut again right away. It was more expensive but they assured me it would be fine now – and I will call them to put root-killing chemicals in the system in a few months. So I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon washing rugs and towels and rags. All done!

Nate came over in the afternoon to install the new bathroom light. There was a bit of frustration with the installation, but thanks to the Steiner boys (Paul, Brian and Mark) it’s up and perfect! A huge thank you to all four guys for solving my dilemma. Chris and her two friends came over, too, and of course they were hungry! We made a few pizzas, but while Chris was helping me get them out of the oven, she grabbed the hot pan and burnt her palm. Ugh. I felt so horrid for her! I know she’ll have a blister and it will hurt for a while. Nate had a plan of treatment and was going to take good care of her. My poor Chrissy!

I got a lovely thank you card from Kath for our fun Williamsburg ‘virtual’ visit on Wednesday. And of course it’s a Williamsburg card – so perfect! But it’s been a challenging day so I’m glad to see it winding down. I skipped lunch so as soon as I finish this post I’m going to make a salad and chill out the rest of the evening!

I will share Rob’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Elijah is frustrated! He was a powerful man of God, and he was successful and ‘on top’ – then it all came tumbling down when Jezebel (wicked queen) entered the picture. He ran for his life. What led up to this? Ahab – King – fell apart under pressure, so Jezebel – Queen (stronger than Ahab!) took over and threatened Elijah. He was no ordinary man – he was a hero in the scriptures, a man of God – BUT he was afraid and ran. He said, ‘I’ve had enough!’ What made him want to quit? 1) listened to the world – we should keep our eyes on God 2) left his friends behind – he went off by himself to hide. 3) Was on top, then fell to the lowest depth, exhausted & spent 4) got lost in self-pity, pathetic. Believed he was no good, done. We don’t have to measure up to anybody – just be the best child of God we can be. GOD ministered to Elijah and cared for him, food and encouragement. God always shows up when we’ve reached that point. God is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire; he’s in a gentle whisper. Look inside yourself, you’re not done yet! You’re not alone, so don’t quit now. God blesses Elijah with an amazing friend; Elisha leaves everything to follow Elijah. God can do anything for us, and will!

On this day in 1950 General Motors Corp announced record net earnings of $656,434,232. Bob Iger was named CEO of Walt Disney International in 2005, and in 2020 President Trump declared a national state of emergency and allotted $150 billion to fight COVID 19. Also in 2020 Bill Gates stepped down from the company’s board to focus on philanthropic activities. Our 23rd president Benjamin Harrison died in 1901 at age 67, Susan B Anthony in 1906 at age 86, and J P Morgan Jr in 1943 at age 75. And today Autmn’s half sister Penny (Penelope Lane Stairs) is celebrating her 15th birthday. Penny loves drawing and Japanese cartoons and art work, and is very good. Happy birthday to Miss Penny Lane! Have a great day and a fun year!

TOMORROW March  14 is:

• National Children’s Craft Day
• National Learn About Butterflies Day
• National Pi Day
• National Potato Chip Day
• National Write Down Your Story Day
• Daylight Saving Time – 

Ooooooo! Potato Chips! 🙂 And stories! I love stories! I WILL work on one of my stories tomorrow! Not good at crafts, though. Ask anyone… DON’T FORGET TO SPRING YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD!!! God bless.

Another outside morning walk, then shower and breakfast. I threw a load of clothes in the washer — and when I came downstairs to put them in the dryer there was an inch of water in the laundry room. Ugh. This just happened in November, and shouldn’t be an issue again. I was dressed to run errands, but instead I pulled old beach towels off the shelf and began cleanup. I found a new guy (recommended by my sewage authority) and they are coming in the morning. Thankfully the toilets work without re-flooding; can’t shower or do laundry, though. So I have to choose activities that won’t get me filthy. So I chose washing windows. Sparkling clean!

I got a letter in the mail from T-Mobile (they bought out Sprint). They have a senior promotion going on – unlimited everything for about $35 less a month! So I stopped over there and got that handled, then came back and walked around the yard. I found several little clusters of Hyacinths popping out from under the mulch and leaves. Soon! But since today was ‘Plant a Flower’ day, I bought two new Hyacinths. I didn’t actually plant them – they are already planted! But once they are done blooming I will plant them both outside in the gardens to come up every spring. I also saw several dozen peanut shells under the maple tree. I guess there must be a family of squirrels living in the tree, although I didn’t see a nest. Interesting day.

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt: 2021 and still…. Our God is a God of systems, order & precision, NOT chaos, randomness, or duct-tape fixes. We still need not to twist God’s word; PAY ATTENTION; beware of false prophets. We have become acclimated to the darkness, and it’s not cool to speak the truth anymore. We must seek and follow the truth. The kingdom to come: There will be no more gloom; he will bestow honor. God takes your burdens. When everything seems so wrong, and hard, and dark, and unfair — we read this: Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. HOPE! There’s HOPE! For God so loved the world… It’s 2021 and we STILL need the proposed Messiah.

On this day in 1894 Coca-Cola first sold in bottles, and in 1912 Juliette Gordon Low formed Girl Guides (Girl Scouts). 1933 was the first fireside chat by FDR, and the Hunger Games premiered in 2012. 2019 was the US college admission scandal (Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman plus dozens more). President Trump banned travel in 26 countries due to COVID-19 in 2020. Anne Frank died at age 15 from typhus in 1945, and in 1992 Annette Bening and Warren Beatty were married. Liza Minnelli was born in 1946, and my cousin Allen’s daughter Erin has a birthday today Happy birthday to this hard-working, lovely lady/mom! Enjoy your day!

TOMORROW March 13 is:

• National Good Samaritan Day
• National Coconut Torte Day
• National Earmuff Day
• National Jewel Day
• National K9 Veterans Day
• National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day

I don’t intent to test the ‘bad luck’ theory of opening the umbrella in the house. And it’s a bit late in the season to need earmuffs, at least here in Greensburg! But K9 Veterans are definitely worth celebrating! Enjoy your day – God bless . . .

Walked outside – beautiful! But, followed by rain… Not too much work today, so I was home early. Stuck the roast in early this morning. Autmn and Eric are watching TV until it’s time to start the rest of dinner. She’s cooking for Eric – it’s their 6 month anniversary. Nate, Jen and Chrissy are coming over later.

Dinner was very tasty! We had a roast, and Autmn made mashed potatoes, broccoli cheese rice, green beans, noodles and gravy. And homemade bread. Oreo Ice Cream for dessert. Now we are all too full to move! They are still watching movies… I’m excited that I have three days ahead of me – maybe I’ll find a sunny hour or two to wash windows.

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: It’s not what you thought; follow me anyway. ‘Preaching is foolishness to the perishing but to us, the power of God unto salvation!’ Sometimes we don’t buy into or understand the teachings of God, but we have to go with God. We can’t think like the world thinks – they think it’s foolishness. Think on Jesus Christ and him crucified. There is power in the way God does things – and God does things differently. His death destroys our death. He brought life to all who receive him. We meet Christ at the table – it’s not insignificant. Follow Jesus to his cross. He makes all things new.

On this day in 1862 and 1865 a lot of Civil War things happened. Check it out! In 1918, US Army mess cook Private Albert Gitchell was the first documented case of the Spanish flu; created a world wide pandemic killing 50-100 millions. In 1997 Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2020 COVID 19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. And so it began… And according to Shakespeare, this was Romeo & Juliet’s wedding day. My friend Dave Baughman is having a birthday today. Dave worked at Smail’s a lot of the years I was there, and our daughters were very good friends in HCC youth group. I understand he’s going through some rough health issues – Birthday and get well wishes both to you, my friend! Thinking of you and praying for your improved health!

TOMORROW is March 12 is:

• National Working Moms Day *
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Girl Scout Day
• National Plant a Flower Day

I will definitely go out and find a flower to plant! I can do that! And I am a working mom – even at this stage of life! God bless all your hard-working moms out there! GOD BLESS!!!

I walked outside again – sunny and much warmer! Had little chores to attend to in the morning, then I set about cleaning the house. I was finished about 3pm, when I started getting the food ready for our FAFF night. Tonight was a Williamsburg revisited night! I put in my Fife and Drum CD to play before the movie and at dinner. We had ham biscuits, steak fries, ginger cookies, and kettle chips — plus root beer! I printed out a label from Chowning’s Tavern and taped it on the bottle. It was a very festive night.

I also set out several Williamsburg coffee table books and my photo albums from all the trips. There was a little quiz about our numerous visits and we had fun figuring out the answers and discussing our favorite houses and trips. And we did watch ‘The Story of a Patriot’ DVD. All in all a very fun night!

On my walk this morning, I stopped and listened to the little stream down the road from my house. I was sort of taken by surprise when I went around the one corner and saw a house with the yard covered with pink flamingos! It was a startling sight – and I wonder what the people who lived there thought about that!

I will share Micah’s message NOT LIKE THE OTHER. You are not like the rest! Be different. God sets the standard, but we must love one another. The holy spirit guides and convicts us. We have a direct connection to God’s throne through prayer. 1) Build up your faith; pray without doubt a) have knowledge of His word b) keep within the love of God (obey!) c) recognize the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy comes when we obey. We couldn’t pick who God made us to be, but we can choose how we use our talents. 2) Look for our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will present us a faultless before God – Jesus paid the price. We are not like the others if we are a child of God.

On this day in1849 Abraham Lincoln applied for a patent (only US President to do so) for a device to lift a boat over shoals and obstructions. The first telephone call was in 1876; Alexander Graham Bell says “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you” to his assistant Thomas Watson. In 1969 James Earl Ray pled guilty to the murder of Martin Luther King JR (It was his birthday – born in 1928). In 1978 The Incredible Hulk premiered. Osama bin Laden was born in 1957, Prince Edward in 1964, and Carrie Underwood in 1983. Harriet Tubman died at age 91 in 1913, and Vince Gill married Amy Grand in 2000. And happy birthday to Tracy Smouse Pfoutz – we’ve known each other for years, and she worked with me at Smail’s for a bit. Enjoy!

TOMORROW March 11 is:

• National 311 Day
• National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day 
• National Johnny Appleseed Day
• National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
• National Promposal Day
• National Worship of Tools Day
• World Kidney Day 

That’s a lot of days to cover. I will give a big shout out to my long-time friend Jim Fritzinger, who is indeed a funeral director in Allentown. As for tool-worship – I barely know one end of a screwdriver from the other! God bless, you all!

I should have walked outside this morning but chose instead to do the treadmill. I didn’t realize how warm it was. Beautiful day! I worked until about 12:30, then came home and caught up on my daily journal. Obviously if I had been doing it DAILY I wouldn’t have to catch up! I got behind a few days. Feels like I track most of my days on the Word Garden and it’s like I’m doing it twice. I do not – mostly – share my FEELINGS on the Word Garden – which I do in my journal.

I picked up Autmn after lunch, and since everyone was out and about we brought her little sister Josie with us, too. We all three worked together to make Oreo Ice Cream dessert for Autmn’s dinner on Thursday. Josie licked the bowl, of course! Then Chris and her friend Hope skate-boarded over to visit for a bit. So I had all four girls here for a little while. Autmn made Josie mac/cheese and they are watching a movie on Netflix. I’ll take them home when it’s over.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill today. The new series will lead up to Easter. This week, A FEARLESS SAVIOR. Jesus didn’t NEED righteousness; he WAS righteousness. When we was baptized, it symbolized that a sacrifice could not be offered until it was washed. We was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus would be the sacrifice for all mankind. Then, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted and tested – He was DRIVEN there; he didn’t just WANDER there. He prayed and fasted and resisted Satan and the wild beasts (which were NOT lions and tigers…). The angels ministered to and comforted him. Jesus did not cower; he was fearless. Satan tired to: 1) destroy the savior. God would determine Christ’s destiny, not Satan. 2) destroy our faith. FEAR is not part of our ‘God Image’ – fear is a product of our sin. God uses fear to build his kingdom. Put your trust in Jesus always.

On this day in 1864 Ulysses S Grant was appointed commander of the Union army, and in 1964 the first Ford Mustang was produced. In 2020 Italy locked down the whole country due to COVID-19 outbreak. Amerigo Vespucci was born in 1454. I never really understand how our country was named after him…. Bobby Fisher – world champion chess player – was born in 1943, George Burns died in 1996 at age 100, and in 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte married Josephine. And my friend Tom is having a birthday today – Tom is a fellow writer and a retired nurse. He likes to portray Colonel Sanders and does a great job! So happy birthday Colonel Tom Beck. Have a great day!

TOMORROW March 10 is:

• National Blueberry Popover Day
• National Mario Day
• National Pack Your Lunch Day
• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day 

As I don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow, I won’t be packing my lunch. I’ll just think of something fun to have for lunch right in my own kitchen! It will be cleaning day for me – oh, fun! But I like to clean, so no problem! God bless…

I was able to get my first COVID Vaccine shot this morning in Latrobe. The follow-up (2nd shot) is in Norwin on April 5th. I feel fine except my arm is very sore. I don’t realize that until I try to move it suddenly – then I remember! I’m also very cold – but just came inside from playing in the dirt, picking up twigs in the front yard, and washing the car. It was sunny but still cold.

I sent Gen’s little granddaughters a fun card for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. She sent me a video of them and they were very excited! It was cute to see them, and they had the confetti all spread out on the blanket. They were sitting in the yard. Must be warmer here then there – GOOGLE said 67*. Quite a bit warmer.

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. This was his last week as interim minister. Scott will be here by next Sunday. We are not our best when we complain – we act irrationally. When we make our complaint to God, we are hoping God will respond to our need and suffering. As the Israelites complained after leaving Egypt – they did not trust God for their needs. When we look to the past, we romanticize and see only the good things behind us. They only thought about the FOOD and forgot about the slavery. It’s tempting to let the past be the Golden Age, but God is creating a bright future that leads us to the Promised Land. But when we idealize the past we fail to trust God’s future goodness. We deny that God has good plans for us. Our faith affirms that God is with us in the present and leads us to the future. We are not alone. God provides our needs wherever we are sent. We are sustained by God’s gifts that nurture our body and spirit. Learning to trust God requires that we let go of our fears and believe in God’s goodness.

It was a fitting message for looking forward – both for him and for the congregation. They had a cute little song that they performed for him at the end of the service, and gave him and his wife a card and flowers and gift baskets. I’ve known him mostly through the live streaming, but I have met him in person a few times, and I will miss his messages very much. God bless you, Pastor Bram!

On this day in 1817 the New York Stock Exchange was founded, and in 1948 the US Supreme Court ruled that religious instruction in public schools was unconstitutional. In 1973 Eisenhower tunnel – world’s highest and US longest – opened in Denver CO. Oliver Wendel Holmes Jr was born in 1841. Millard Fillmore – 13th president – died in 1874 at age 74, and William Howard Taft – 27th president- died in 1930 at age 72; Joe DiMaggio in 1999 at age 84. In 1820 5th US President James Monroe‘s daughter Maria was 1st child of a President to marry in the White House.

TOMORROW March 9 is:

• National Barbie Day
• National Crabmeat Day
• National Get Over it Day
• National Meatball Day

I AM over it – have been for months and months now! So I’ll just eat a meatball and call it a day! God bless….

I forgot to mention that I saw my first robin of spring yesterday! Such hope and encouragement! It was a fat little bugger, too!

Went to church – first service – this morning. Sat with my cousin Mark and we had a chance to chat and catch up. When I was leaving after service Mary and Joni and I spur-of-the-minute decided to go to breakfast at Eat-n-Park. We had a lovely time, and for an hour and a half sat and talked and enjoyed just being together! I love eating breakfast out, especially if it includes bacon! (And great friends!)

I stopped for a few groceries on the way home, and picked up my Easter ham. Superior Boneless Tavern Hams are kind of expensive but can be difficult to find, especially at the last minute. That is my family’s ham of choice, so I always make the effort. And thanks to Kath for the tip on finding one after her successful purchase yesterday. Then I grabbed a small pack of highlighers. When Kelly was up on Wednesday she was lamenting my sad supply. So I tested them all and now have an updated variety to choose from.

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield since I was there in person. We are starting on the Easter series, Easter expectations, with Palm Sunday. Sometimes we think there are discrepancies in the Bible but when we really look into them we find they support each other. Like, who found the donkey, Jesus or the disciples? and Who started the parade, the crowd or the disciples? The disciples knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the King. They knew the Messiah would die for us, fight for us, and deliver us – bring peace. When Jesus entered the city on the donkey, they knew that was prophesy – and that is was holy and right and good. But they were basing it on the expectation that God would do what we EXPECTED him to do, not what he DID (and still does) do. WE are not God! We think he should live up to our expectations, like we would know better than God what should happen. On that day, Palm Sunday, after 33 years on earth, Jesus got what he deserved: Praise and honor and rightful attention. He deserves that EVERY day. So we should rejoice always in the Lord – have have a reason to rejoice! So PRAISE continually! He deserves it!

On this day in 1774 King George III charges colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for his telephone in the US, and in 1955 Peter Pan (staring Mary Martin) was first televised. I absolutely LOVED that Peter Pan, and I was determined to go to never-never land, never grow up, and live with Peter! Never happened… In 2016 Peyton Manning retired. Franco Harris was born in 1950, and Lynn Swann in 1952; In 1998 Amanda Gorman, American poet and activist who delivered the poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. A long-time friend from out ‘Home’, Roger Griffith, is celebrating a birthday today. I know he never reads these posts so he won’t know I’m wishing him a happy birthday!

TOMORROW March 8 is:

• International Women’s Day
• National Oregon Day
• National Peanut Cluster Day
• National Proofreading Day

So, I had neither cereal or pancakes today. Mary and Joni both had a smiley pancake. So at least we were SORT OF celebrating! Tomorrow I will probably proofread something. It’s what I do! God bless…

I worked at chopping away at my Saturday list, and accomplished most of it. I’m working on a story to submit to a local publication but the guidelines haven’t been updated so I can’t finish until they are. But it’s pretty ready much ready to go.

I took an hour in the afternoon and went over to L & L Antiques. There were a lot of new items and even some new vendors. There were a few tempting things, but I just keep remembering how hard I’m working to REDUCE my household inventory. Purchasing more seems to make that effort futile. It would have to be very amazing to get me to buy! I did see really cool wooden flags painted on pallets – I sent the picture to Peyton – he could absolutely do that!

The PEEPS are trying to schedule a get-together. (Friends from Smail – there are 4 of us.) Waiting for everyone to get back with their availability. I’m so excited. Real people!!!

SO, the second message I’ll share today is from Greg at Vanderbilt: It begins. In the beginning, GOD – the world is STILL trying to disprove that. God created everything and saw it was GOOD. God knew it was not good, however, for man to be alone. Adam named all the animals but none of them would work, so he made woman, and the 2 became one. In the beginning the garden was pure (white). Adam and Eve (Male & female, two genders; just two) had ONE commandment, and the serpent convinced them to ignore it! We, too, try to replace God. They knew they had sinned and hid. Then God asked the very first question in scripture: Where are you? At this point, the color in the garden was BLACK – sinful. Not everything was good; things changed. God talked to ADAM; he blamed ‘the woman’ – she blamed the serpent. The foreshadowing is: He will crush your head, you will strike his heal – it’s a prophesy of Christ, fulfilled at the empty tomb. In the beginning there was a straight line from Adam to God – Repent and turn and come back to the straight line.

I will also share a joke that Bram had in their newsletter than fits with Greg’s message: At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created from Adam’s ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter? Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.” (haha!)

On this day in 1836 – Battle of the Alamo. In 1857 the US Supreme Court ruled that Africans could not be US citizens, and in 1951 the Trial of Julius & Ethel Rosenberg began. Jack Nicklaus passes Arnold Palmer as golf’s all-time money winner in 1972. Michelangelo (sculptor and painter) was born in 1475, Elizabeth Barrett Browning in 1806, Lou Costello (comedian) in 1906, Willie Stargell in 1940, Shaquille O’Neal in 1972. Davey Crockett died at age 49 at the battle of the Alamo in 1836, Louisa May Alcott (Little Women) in 1888 at age 55, John Philip Sousa at age 77 in 1932, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr (93) in 1935, and Nancy Reagan (94) in 2016. In 1964 Elizabeth Taylor’s 4th divorce, from Eddie Fisher.

TOMORROW March 7 is:

• National Flapjack Day
• National Be Heard  Day
• National Cereal Day
• National Crown of Roast Pork Day 
• Finisher’s Medal Day 

So now, do I have cereal or flapjacks tomorrow? We’ll see! Have a great Lord’s day — God Bless – – – –

I’m going to post twice today – I had an extra sermon last week since I listened to the youth service at the Kittanning Baptist Church. So I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield about Friendships – and you’ll see why at the end.

A good friend is a good find and a treasure; a present we give ourselves. There are several types of friends 1) acquaintances (those we know and enjoy but don’t know intimately). 2) Closer friends, those with common ground that we have more to share with. 3) Really close that we seek out and share part of ourselves with. 4) Best friends, who can share anything and are always there for each other, with no judgement and complete loyalty. These are rare! Choose your friends very carefully – don’t let them pull you from your relationship with God. Be sure they do not have anger issues, and that they share our disciplines. Be slow to enter into a friendship, but once you have formed that deep commitment, then stick close. Do not compromise Christ or follow blindly. Sometimes we lose friends to stay close to Jesus. Be friends with those who follow God. Don’t even DATE someone who is not a Christian. Friends aren’t perfect, but they can still be friends – don’t avoid those imperfect friendships, just be certain to stay within God’s guidelines. Friends are a good find, concerned about your well-being. They ease our burdens, and tell us what we NEED to hear, not what we WANT to hear. They won’t betray us, and to HAVE a good friend we must BE a good friend.

Here are some helpful hints: Remember names. Be relaxed and easy-going. Don’t be egotistical (know-it-all). Sincerely attempt to rectify grievances. Practice liking people (use patience and don’t be proud). Encourage and offer sympathy in love. A true friend makes sacrifices; be a friend even when it’s inconvenient. Be devoted, be personal – reach out to your friends. Don’t let the days go past without seeking them out!

I am blessed to have so many good, loyal, loving, steadfast friends. Some friends I see seldom but we keep in touch, and I know I can contact them at any time and we will be important to each other. I have met friends through my family, through school, in my neighborhood, at church, and even through other friends. They are all equally precious to me and I value them every one the same! And recently I became friends with a fellow author that I haven’t even met in person! I respect and admire her work, and her virtues, and rejoice in her vastly successful career (I should be so lucky – but it wasn’t luck. She’s VERY talented!).

Currently I am on her ARC list – (advanced reader copy) – and read the books before they are released officially. I have come to anticipate these new releases, and this week I read the whole book in less than 24 hours (and yes, I did sleep!). This past year Elizabeth shared in my concern with Kelly’s illnesses, and rejoiced in her progress and healing. She even purchased MY book! So here’s to Elizabeth Bromke and a special friendship that was unexpected but is cherished none-the-less. And I encourage you to check out her vast number of books – you will certainly enjoy them and appreciate her talents! And when I finished this last book – The Boardwalk House – I was over the moon to find my name listed as a friend and encourager! Thanks, Liz! Wishing you continued success!

More later, my friends!

Today was sunny but very cold. I hated even walking to the mailbox! My fingers get cold and I can’t type. But all is well!

I was getting ready for my shower this morning and one of the lightbulbs in my bathroom fixture flickered and went out. So I got a new bulb and changed it – but it didn’t work. Did that twice. Then I took the bulb and stuck it in another light fixture – it worked. So apparently the bathroom fixture is shot. I believe that it is about 28 years old, so I can’t complain. However, I can SORT OF complain because I bopped over to Lowe’s AND Home Depot and neither have the right type of light that I need that matches my current fixtures. So I guess it’s on to an internet search…

Since I didn’t clean on my normal Wednesday routine day, I cleaned the whole house today. However, my author e-friend Liz Bromke sent out her newest release to her ARC readers (that would be me!) and I spent as much time taking reading breaks as cleaning. It’s very good, and I can hardly put it down. I’m already 84% through the book – and it’s a two part series so I know there will be SORT OF a cliff-hanger. But it’s very good!

I also got around to filling my little pots of gold. Now if I could just tempt and capture a leprechaun – then I’d have endless resources! Dream on, sweet child. Dream on…

Also got a phone call and was able to schedule my COVID Vaccine shots. God makes things work!

Today I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist: Laying down our lives; we should be KIND. (Anyone who knows me well will know that is a subject near to my heart!) We should be devoted to one another; the sacrifice of one person can affect the course of a nation. Hard work helps us grow in love. Religion is not personal: It’s a community. It’s not a competition with winners and losers (like the Super Bowl) with power, bragging. It’s like Special Olympics: Everyone is special and appreciated, and everyone wins. We should help each other up and run together. We owe Jesus a debt of gratitude for his sacrifice. How often do we think of that? Remember his love, and be kind.

On this day in 1496 the English King granted John Cabot a commission to explore for new lands, and in 1836 Samuel Colt manufactured the first pistol. Steinway Piano Company was founded in NY in 1853, and the TV show THE OSBOURNES (starring Ozzy Osbourne, who my son loved!) premiered in 2002 on MTV. Andy Gibb was born in 1958, and Joseph Stalin died at age 73 in 1953. Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash in 1963; she was 30. I remember when that happened. She was a very close friend of Loretta Lynn….

TOMORROW March 6 is:

• National Dentist’s Day
• National Dress Day
• National Frozen Food Day
• National Oreo Cookie Day 
• National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day

I just got my dental insurance card in the mail! So I’m all set. But I don’t think Dr. Lane wants to see me right this minute. And I DO wish I had an Oreo! Next week! Autmn and I are making Oreo Ice Cream for the dinner she’s hosting…. Have a great weekend. God bless!