Here’s a little research I did yesterday, just for fun. Today’s post will be a bit different. Let this be a well-deserved tribute to the late Charles Schulz, who changed our lives and brought us laughter and happiness!

Charlie Brown -Both looser and leader, and rises out of every downfall with hope and determination.

Peppermint Patty – freckle-faced tomboy; has a crush on CB, whom she calls Chuck. Rival manager of opposing baseball team. Isn’t a student; often falls asleep at her desk. Seldom recognizes Snoopy as a dog.

Franklin – African-American; has intelligence and rationality; plays on P Patty’s baseball team.

Marcie – P Patty’s best friend, calls her ‘Sir’ – secretly likes CB

Shermy – CB’s best friend and straight man (before Linus).

Snoopy – CB’s pet beagle, intelligent beyond his species. Coolest beagle on the planet, independent-minded and prone to daydreaming and fantasies.

Violet – Vain and snobby

Schroeder – Piano-playing prodigy and catcher. Lucy’s unrequited love interest, admires Beethoven.

Lucy – Bossy, fussy, crabby – torments CB and bullies Linus, battles with Snoopy.

Linus – Blanket-toting best friend of CB – Sally’s ‘Sweet Baboo’. most insecure but the smartest and most intellectual out of all the character; frequent philosopher and theologian.

Pig-Pen – attracts dust (dust magnet!) Even when he’s clean, he’s dirty!

Sally – Has a crush of Linus; complains, overreacts, and overanalyzes situations. Shows little respect for CB.

Frieda – naturally curly hair and obsessed about her beauty. Tries to force Snoopy to chase rabbits…

Woodstock – Snoopy’s best friend; tiny yellow bird. Flies upside down.

Patty – Early character – token female.

Rerun – younger brother of Linus and Lucy – frequently rides on the back of his mother’s bicycle.

Peggy Jean – CB’s girlfriend in later years after the Little Red-Haired Girl (who was never seen in the strip itself).

Lila – Snoopy’s owner before CB

Fifi – Snoopy’s major love interest and was once captured by the Red Baron

Red Baron – Snoopy’s WWI nemesis and rival, when Snoopy is flying his Sopwith Camel.

Snoopy’s siblings: Andy, Spike (who stays in the dessert), Olaf, Rover, Belle, Molly, and Marbles

Great Pumpkin – appears on Halloween Night in the most sincere pumpkin patch – according to Linus.

Cat Next Door – often destroys Snoopy’s house.

Most famous : “Happiness is…”, Good Grief!!!, Security blanket, You Blockhead!!!

I think everyone knows my favorite character is Snoopy. He is displayed all over my house, and makes me smile! Take a minute to reflect on the Peanuts gang, and maybe find a smile for yourself! God bless —

Treadmill this morning, then a few errands. Nothing specific, just wandering around Greensburg aimlessly looking for things that don’t exist! But it was a fun way to spend the morning – and a few gallons of gas!

I smacked into my closet door (Which I had accidently left open) with the door to the garage and scraped paint off of it. Ugh. So after my rambling this morning – and a quick lunch – I got the paint out and touched it up. (It was dented already – for a few decades!) Then Deb came over to borrow a few more books from the Wren Drive lending library. In exchange she brought me homemade heart-shaped iced sugar cookies. I can’t wait to have them with a cup of hot tea!

I will share Paul’s message today, continuing in the A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM series. Josiah – wisdom. Are you smarter than a third grader? He became king at age 8, and was a very good and wise king. Josiah knew to seek the God of his ancestor David. He tore down the idols and chose to be devoted to God. Lived his life to please God in everything. We can choose to do that too. He also restored the temple of God and walked in the ways of the Lord. He found the book of Law (God’s word); humbled himself and turned the nation back to worshiping God according to His word. He kept the Passover according to God’s word, and brought God’s people back to a right relationship with God. We can follow Josiah’s example and seek God’s leadership and wisdom every day, day to day.

On this day in 1554 the Queen of England – Lady Jane Grey – is executed (beheaded, actually!) for treason. They didn’t waste any time, did they?? In 1999 President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the senate in his impeachment trial. (Lady Jane wasn’t that lucky…) Abraham Lincoln (16th President) was born in 1809, as was Charles Darwin. Arsenio Hall in 1956. Ethan Allen (revolutionary war patriot who led the Green Mountain Boys) died in 1789 at age 51 (He made neat furniture, too – right???), and James Cash Penney died at age 95 in 1971 – founder of J C Penney’s. Tom Landry (Dallas Cowboy’s football coach) died in 2000, and our beloved and very much missed Charles M Schulz – creator of PEANUTS/SNOOPY – died at age 77 in 2000. We miss him every day! He was so clever and creative! What an amazingly talented man.

TOMORROW February 13 is:

• Galentine’s Day
• National Cheddar Day
• National Tortellini Day
• Global Movie Day  – Does this mean we have to watch movies about a globe???

And by the way, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of the girlfriends in our lives. Girls that are friends! So seek out those females who enrich your life and make sure they know they are important to you. God bless —

That is an interesting date: 2-11-2021. Lots of 2’s and 1’s in there! Got up today to about 3 inches of snow – more in some spots. Had a bacon sandwich (on a homemade bun!) and hot tea to fortify myself, then bundled up in so many layers I could barely move. Cleaned the sidewalks, patio, decks, driveway – then popped over next door and helped my neighbor Karen clean hers. We usually have a nice chat while we are working. When I came in and took my hat off, my hair looked like wild (wo)man of Borneo!

I arrived at work a little before 1:30pm. Joe was fascinated by an icicle hanging off the awning, so I checked it out. Somehow it was sliding down but curving sideways as it slid. The top part is snow, but there are two icicles sticking out of the bottom – can you see them? Very interesting design.

I happened to notice that my Valentine M&M’s had little graphics on some – looks like lips, a heart, an arrow, and maybe leaves around the ‘m’. Very cute. I ate them, of course.

My friend Gen from New York – currently residing in Colorado for the school year – sent me photos of her granddaughters Lucy and Hadley playing dolls. If you look closely, they are using the confetti that I sent in their envelope to ‘feed’ their dolls and make designs on the table! It’s always nice to see re-purposing!

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning: Seize the Moment/Life! We NEED the Holy Spirit; we can’t do life by ourselves. 1) Things to get OVER 2) Things to get ON with 3) Things to ACCOMPLISH. 1) – Get over: See what God’s up to. Don’t be self-sufficient, don’t be silent, don’t be secluded; get out and GO! 2) – Get on with: doing God’s will, what He said to do. Christ transforms us. Lay aside what hinders you and run with assurance. God comes to us all differently and gives us unique responsibilities. None are more or less important than the others. 3) – Accomplish: We will be transformed, and others will be influenced as His Church moves forward! Seize the moment and move forward.

On this day in 1809 Robert Fulton patented the steamboat, and in 1899 Montana set a record low temperature of -61*. In 1949 “Lovesick Blues” was released by Hank Williams, and in 1960 Jack Paar walked off his TV show. The Beatles made their first live US appearance in Washington DC in 1964, and in 1993 President Clinton selected Janet Reno as the first female Attorney General. In 1998 a Las Vegas station offered Monica Lewinski $5 million for an interview. The Lyrics to ‘Candle in the Wind’ were auctioned off for $442,500 in 1998, and in 2001 Three Rivers Stadium was demolished. Whitney Houston died at age 48 in an accidental bathtub drowning in 2012. Thomas Edison was born in 1847, Sidney Sheldon (Novelist) in 1917, Eva Gabor (Green Acres fame!) in 1919, Burt Reynolds in 1936, John Ellis (JEB) Bush in 1953, Cheryl Crow in 1962, and Jennifer Aniston in 1969. My long-time friend Margie Dudash (currently living in North Carolina) is celebrating a birthday today. We both went to Hempfield Church, and our kids grew up together from toddlers to teens. Happy birthday Margie! Have a great day!

TOMORROW February 12 is:

• National Plum Pudding Day
• No One Eats Alone Day –  (Guess I won’t be eating tomorrow!!!)

I guess I can’t have Plum Pudding if I’m not allowed to eat! I eat alone about 99% of the time! But that’s ok – I don’t mind! Have a great weekend! God bless —

I was up before 7am this morning, turned on GMA, in anticipation of seeing the interview and performance with Amy Grant. It was the first performance since her open heart surgery. She is still as vibrant and talented and beautiful as always, and it was inspiring to hear her story, and to listen to the performance of Every Heartbeat (double meaning!) 30 years after initial release.

In between cleaning the house and reading chapters in a good book (Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson), I kept an eye on the weather and did some online research. Kelly called mid-afternoon with her good news. The pathology report came back clean: no sign of any cancer in the surgery site or on the tissue they removed last week! Both the PA and the surgeon came in personally to congratulate her and shared in her joy! I’m so excited for her! God is good – all the time!

And yesterday Logan had to get 6 baby teeth pulled, as they were inhibiting his permanent teeth from coming in correctly. He was a champion and handled everything well, and is smiling like a champ. Kelly said he is eating eggs and meat sticks and BBQ chicken sandwiches…. Way to go, Logi!!!

Tonight was the second installment of the Ft. Allen Film Festival (hereafter known as the FAFF!!). Kath and I talk to mom via facetime, then watch a movie and have a light supper together. Sometimes Paul joins us but tonight he had other plans. We watched Jane Austen’s PERSUASION and it was very good. I don’t remember ever seeing it and really enjoyed it! The British accents and overall language structure is often hard to interpret but we followed it all well enough, and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I recommend it!

Tonight I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. It was very different. My suggestion is to listen to the song MY GOD IS THE ANCIENT OF DAYS by cityalight. He took each of the lines in the verses and offered scriptures to support the line – Such as: We don’t know how long we have; our soul is important. Trust God! The Lord will reign forever and ever. Put your eternal destiny in God’s hands. Everything in heaven and earth is God’s. Our struggle is against dark spirits; trust Him with our soul. You are not alone; God knows all about us! We are special to Him. We can’t stop God. BE READY! We need to shine like stars in a very dark world. He will go with us wherever we go. I have the song on now while I’m typing, and it’s very moving. I recommend listening, and listening often, in your quiet time, in preparation for prays and devotion. GOD is the ancient of days. Amen – and amen.

I have a copy of the scriptures verse by verse – if you are interested let me know and I can email it to you.

On this day in 60AD St Paul was thought to have been shipwrecked at Malta. In 1870 the YWCA was formed, and in 1940 TOM & JERRY cartoon debuted (by Hanna/Barbara). In 1942 Glenn Miller was awarded the first ever gold record – sold over 1 million copies of Chattanooga Choo Choo. In 1961 Niagara Falls hydroelectric began producing power, and in 1966 VALLEY OF THE DOLLS by Jacqueline Sussan was published – sold 31 million copies! I wish LETTERS TO MARY could do that!!! 🙂 In 2005 His Royal Highness Charles Prince of Wales announced his engagement to Camilla Parker Bowles (They did get married; somehow I missed that!). In 2014 “This is How we Roll” by Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan was released. Robert Wagner was born in 1930 (He was definitely my heart throb! He and James Garner!!!), and Mark Spitz in 1950. Alex Haley (wrote ROOTS) died in 1992 at age 70, and Shirley Temple Black died at age 85 in 2014.

TOMORROW February 11 is:

• National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
• National Inventors’ Day
• National Make a Friend Day
• National Peppermint Patty Day
• National Shut-In Visitation Day (REALLY? We can DO this????)
• National White Shirt Day
• National Giving Hearts Day 

Wear a white shirt tomorrow – be safe in the snow, and make a new friend. God bless us, every one!!!

Woke up this morning to 4-6 inches of snow (outside). Different in different parts of the yard! I wasn’t in any hurry to do anything, especially shovel, so I snuggled in bed for about 45 minutes, reading a really good book by Hannah Ellis (British Author). Finally started to feel guilty, so I dressed and did the treadmill for a while, then a shower and breakfast. Nate and my cousin both txt me that they would help with the driveway, so I just putzied around the house until Nate came over. By the time I got bundled up and outside, the neighbor across the street (Al) had taken his snow blower and cleaned my neighbor’s driveway, then started on mine. Between the three of us we got the decks, steps, walks, and patio cleared and salted. Thanks to my snow heroes for the day! I’m glad to be able to stay inside. It really wasn’t cold out, but the snow was very heavy and hard to move. I was very thankful for the help! They are true snow angels!

Today I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – a continuation of ELIJAH – Boot Camp! Elijah just sort of showed up, and confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel about their wicked reign. Elijah threatened that there would be no rain until the kingdom repented. Then God had Elijah HIDE!! He had some things to learn (thus, the boot camp) 1) Hiding – it’s hard to ‘wait’. Especially for outgoing, confident leader-types. God’s timing is perfect. Elijah obeyed God, left his life as he knew it, and lived in hiding by the brook. And God taught him there. 2) Trust – Elijah relied on God for his physical and spiritual needs, and trusted that he would be feed and cared for and instructed. It’s called ‘character building’! God always knows where we are and what we need and he’s always with us, even through the new chapter and the next step. 3) MORE trusting! When we have nothing left, trust. You’re not often a person of God until your brook dries up. In our weakness, we see God’s work.

On this day in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederate States. In 1964 the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show to 73.7 million viewers. William Henry Harrison (9th president) was born in 1773, and Travis Tritt (Country singer) in 1963. Bill Haley (and the Comets) died in 1981 at age 55.

TOMORROW February 10 is:

• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• National Home Warranty Day
• National Umbrella Day

Who decides these things? Umbrella day? Ummm. OK. Wherever you go tomorrow, take your umbrella. But I’m wishing you a sunny day! God bless…

I checked this morning and this post had not been published! Apologies to those of you who follow it! 🙂

Apparently today I was one of those people who 1) ignored the fact that we are in a pandemic and 2) was part of the ‘panicked’ masses who had to get all their items purchased before the snow! Neither was intentional.

Started off with a dentist appointment. Dr. Lane (who at least for now is my hero!) was able to do a little lazar trimming and cement my crown back in. So I’ve avoided the implant for another little while. I seldom experience pain with my teeth issues – just inconvenience and financial burdens! Alas – so be it!

I worked both stores, then started on my chores. Stopped at Aldi’s for certain items, then the Dollar Tree for a few cards. Went to the post office to mail a few Valentines and get stamps, then to Walmart for the rest of the groceries. I’m set with food for a while now. I didn’t get much at either place but enough for me. Had to pop into Dollar General for something that – of course – they didn’t have, but found something that would work.

I came home and met Nate and Dave here, and Dave was able to fix my upstairs bathroom drain stopper. I paid him in M&M’s! He seemed happy with that. I was listening to Bram and Rod and sitting still made me cold. I put on lined socks, a hoodie, warmed a rice bag, made a hot tea, and wrapped in a blanket. Let me tell you it wasn’t long until I was peeling back layers! I’m comfy now. Waiting to see how much snow we will actually get overnight.

Snoopy, again, is paying scriptural tribute to his friends. I agree!

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. It was about remembrance, as they were having church-wide communion Sunday. Eating together is important to fellowship – even Jesus ate with friends and sinners. Jesus is always present at the table. The emblems represent what God has done in Christ to set us free. You (we) were slaves to sin but by God’s grace we are bought with a price. You have to to cleansed and right with God before he will use you to full potential. God will NEVER forget you – he knows you and where you are and what you are doing, all the time. Don’t ever forget what God has done for you.

On this day in 1965 the Supremes released STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE. Soap opera THE SECRET STORM ended a 20 year run in 1974. I remember Mom watching that, and I’d come home from school and watch the end of it with her…. Jack Nicholson attacked a car with a golf club in 1994. General Sherman (Union Army) was born in 1820, Jules Verne in 1828, Lana Turner in 1921, Jack Lemmon in 1925, James Dean in 1931, and John Grisham in 1955. Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded in 1587 at age 44, and Peter the Great died in 1725 at age 52.

TOMORROW February 9 is:

• National Cut the Cord Day
• National Bagel and Lox Day
• National Pizza Day – I’m bad at timing these things – I had pizza yesterday!
• National Toothache Day – Thanks to Dr. Lane, I will NOT have a toothache!!!
• Safer Internet Day U.S.

Just have to wait and see how much snow we get overnight. 2-4 predicted, but one can never be sure. I foresee shoveling in my immediate future! God bless – –

It was a blustery snow when I got up – but no accumulation and it was done quickly. The sun was shining most of the day – but still very cold. I wasn’t planning to go out, but decided to just run down to one of my little antique stores that I visit. I found my fourth groundhog! I had 3 already, sitting on my ladder – two from Aunt Joan, one from Aunt Dolly, and this one I bought myself to fill the rungs. They are all a little different, even if you can’t tell.

Sally and Lucy and Snoopy share a perfect thought for the day – and even though I seldom see my dear friends these days I am thankful for each and every one. They can brighten my thoughts even though they are across town or across the country.

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? Put confidence in God – don’t give up. God will NOT grow tired or weary. Place your hope in God. It may not always work out like you plan or want it to; we think God isn’t paying attention. But he works in three basic ways. 1) Miraculous rescue/resolution – we pray, and it’s fixed! But that is generally not the case. More often, 2) God works by walking with us, and we fix it together. It takes a while, with us both working, and we grow weary, but he is there and sees it through to the end victorious. 3) Nothing changes in our situation, but he gives us strength to endure. We may have battle scars on the other side. But we always want it fixed NOW! We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us, to obtain the joy of our eternal presence. He began a good work in us and will follow it through to the end. THAT’s what we can expect!

On this day in 1839 Henry Clay declared in the senate: I’d rather be right than be president! In 1940 Walt Disney’s PINOCCHIO premiered – 2nd feature length movie. In 1974 Mel Brooks’ film BLAZING SADDLES opened in theaters. Anne Lindbergh died in 2001. John Deere was born in 1804, Charles Dickens in 1812, and Garth Brooks in 1962. Any my niece Hannah’s husband Dan Gump is celebrating a birthday today! I know he celebrated with his wife and three wonderful daughters (Edy, Hattie, Rosie) in Tennessee. Have a great day, Dan, and a great year!! Happy birthday!

TOMORROW February 8 is:

• National Boy Scouts Day
• National Kite Flying Day
• National Iowa Day
• National Football Hangover Day
• National Clean Out Your Computer Day

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow – oh, joy! I know there will be at least one issue, as I popped a ‘crown’ about 3 weeks ago. That will not be an easy fix! But at least there will be SOME fix! Have a great day, and God Bless…

When I got up this morning, I had no idea what the day would bring. I had no firm plans except little household items. After changing bed sheets and doing laundry, walking on the treadmill, shower and breakfast, I balanced my checkbook – always do that to the penny, and this time I was 3 cents off! But I found it – all is well. I was just finishing up and had to meet my tax person to drop off documents. Since I was already out, I decided to just stay out!

I was already uptown, so I popped into a new Antique store – South Pennsylvania Ave Antiques. It’s a very classy place and the displays were very well arranged for such a small space. I even got the name of a clock repair person (they had tons of clocks!) that might be able to fix Grama Crook’s mantle clock. It hasn’t run for several years. I’ll call on Monday.

Then — I got adventurous and drove up to Laughlintown to their Antique Mall. It has more antiques and older pieces, where the other one had a lot of collectibles and ‘eye candy’ as I might call it. On a whim I stopped at Linn Run – but everything was a sheet of ice. I barely made it from the parking lot to the edge of the stream. But it was beautiful. A younger couple was checking out the trail, and said they weren’t sure it was safe as it too was a sheet of ice. I didn’t stay to see if they braved it. The weather was very cold (31* and windy) but the day was sunny and bright.

I treated myself to a frozen Coke on the way home (I could have just sat a Coke outside for a while and it would have frozen itself!), then bundled up in 3 layers and washed the car. It was so dirty I was embarrassed. I was very warm except for my hands. Once everything was cleaned up I came in and had a cup of hot tea and a ginger snap. Warm inside and out!

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. TWO CONSTELLATIONS. It was the topic of eternal security. First ‘constellation’ is that a person who is ‘saved’ is safe in the Lord no matter what. The second ‘constellation’ is that they can fall away – but only after they have dis-owned their faith and claimed there is no God, for a long time. This topic has been disputed and will never be fully resolved by us – but God is the judge – he is sovereign and knows their hearts. The grace of God is good, and our God is mighty. His grace is sufficient and HE remains faithful. Seek God and stay close to Him – leave no doubt in your own mind. But ask Him for peace and direction in everything, and continue to pray for those who tend to wander away from the flock.

On this day in 1862 Ulysses S Grant captured Ft. Henry, TN (Civil War), and in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II succeeded King George VI and was proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1998 Washington National Airport was renamed Ronald Reagan National Airport. Anne Stuart, Queen of Great Britain, was born in 1665, and Aaron Burr (3rd Vice President) was born in 1756 – he killed Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel. J E B Stuart (confederate general) was born in 1833. Babe Ruth in 1895, Ronald Reagan (40th president) in 1911, and Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1917. In 1995 Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) married — well, it doesn’t really matter WHO we married because it wasn’t ME 🙁 And today my Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford Griffith are celebrating their wedding anniversary. It’s an amazing milestone, and I pray for many more years of ‘Happy Together’ for them!

TOMORROW February 7 is:

• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
• National Periodic Table Day
• National Send a Card to a Friend Day (This is something I can do!!!)

Blessings to you all on this cold weekend! Stay warm, stay safe, and God bless… (And Go Steelers! Oh, wait. They aren’t in the Super Bowl.)

The answer to yesterday’s question about Alex Trebek is: Jeopardy!, Classic Concentration, and To Tell the Truth! Did you get it right???

I managed to keep busy all day, with laundry and organizing things and running out a few times. I went this afternoon to my favorite local Fleatique in Adamsburg. Saw lots of fun and interesting things, one being an Uncle Wigley game!! I remember spending lots of hours playing that with the cousins at Grama Crooks’ house. It was a bit costly or I would have bought it just to bring it home and explore – I remember very little about it!

Also spent over an hour organizing my cards and notes and stickers and storage boxes. I think it will be easier to find what I need now. One box had greeting cards, one box is all Snoopy, one is Christmas cards and thank you notes, etc.

Instead of sharing a sermon today, I’m going to share part of my friend Gwen Wolfgang’s daily devotional. It’s copyrighted so you can’t do anything with it – but the idea is that a shepherd LEADS his sheep, and keeps them safe and protected, fed and rested. If you are being urged from BEHIND, and PUSHED into something, like he’s running behind the flock, driving them instead of leading them, you can be pretty sure it’s not the Shepherd, but the butcher! It’s Satan who is pushing you. Be alert! Follow the Good Shepherd. Thanks to Gwen Wolfgang for her insight. Listen to the calming, leading voice of the shepherd who calls your name.

On this day in 1919 Hollywood film studio United Artists was founded by Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, D W Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks. In 1981 Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame (my friend Bill Smail would be excited to remember that!). Hank Aaron was born in 1934, and in 1826 future president Millard Fillmore married Abigail Powers. We were at their home when we traveled to New York – lovely time! Kirk Douglas died in 2020 at age 103, and today Christopher Plummer passed away at age 91. I thought he was so romantic in THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Who didn’t? Especially when he sang EDELWEISS – I had a small wind-up clock that played that! I still have the clock but it doesn’t play anymore.

TOMORROW February  6 is:

• National Frozen Yogurt Day
• National Lame Duck Day Where do they GET these ideas???
• National Chopsticks Day
• Ice Cream for Breakfast Day – I’ll buy into that one!
• National Play Outside Day – I’ll go out if it’s not too cold!

So I guess you need to eat Ice Cream for breakfast, Frozen Yogurt later, Chinese food for supper (use your chopsticks!), and then play outside to work off all that food! Have a fun day! God bless . . .

The day went smoothly, but not much to write about. I worked both stores and was home around noon. After a bowl of homemade stuffed pepper soup (today IS national homemade soup day!) I started cleaning. Normally that is a Wednesday chores but I spent yesterday playing with my boys! They had a busy day today, and Kelly was tired when I txt her, but they are all ok. The weekend is coming! I did get the house cleaned, top to bottom, and did a load of laundry. Bonus was that when I cleaned the bookshelves I grabbed a few Valentine M&M’s!

My friend Diane sent me HER deer photos. They were watching them eat corn from the kitchen window when she was having breakfast with a friend.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Courage! Elijah! This is the first message in a series, and he talked about Elijah’s background. He came on the scene after 200 years of wicked and evil kings, in both the northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms, when the Children of God turned from Him to idolatry and idol worship. His name means My God is Jehovah, and he stood up for God among the Baal worshipers. He stood alone, and preached God. Remember that we ALL stand before God alone. Don’t blend in or be mediocre – stand out! God gives us courage to 1) Go against the grain; be special people 2) God’s methods are surprising, unexpected 3) We all stand before the king, just as Elijah did. He left us with this thought: We don’t speak out for God because we don’t want to push people away – but we are pushing them to hell. Have courage to speak, and to stand!

On this day in 1789 the first electoral college chose George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President. In 1861 the Confederate constitutional convention elected Jefferson Davis as President of the confederacy (Civil War). In 1865 Robert E Lee was named general-in-chief of confederate forces. In 1991 Alex Trebek became the first person to host 3 games shows at the same time. Do you know which ones? Answer tomorrow! Charles Lindbergh was born in 1902, Rosa Parks in 1913, Alice Cooper in 1948, and Clint Black (country singer) in 1962. Liberace (Pianist) died in 1987 at age 67.

TOMORROW February 5 is:

• National Shower with  a Friend Day – Yikes! I don’t THINK so!!! There is NO friend I like THAT much!!!
• National Weatherperson’s Day
• World Nutella Day
• National Wear Red Day – Rats – I’m wearing red as I type this!
• Bubble Gum Day –

Try to stay out of the shower, and wear red if you can. Look forward to a cold but delightful weekend! God bless…