Today is my friend Mary’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY! I hope your day was special and you felt loved and happy!

It’s 8:30pm and I just came in. To be fair, I didn’t go outside until about 5pm. First of all, I had a full work day. Then I had groceries to get and errands to handle. Still have two to do tomorrow. I did stop at Aldi and got a new garden kneeler. It’s like getting a Cadillac kneeler for a Hyundai price! They are very nice. Mine was falling apart.

Chase is coming tomorrow to spend the weekend so I made chocolate chip muffins and mixed up some grape Kool-Aid. I’ll be gone half a day tomorrow setting up for the Hanna’s Town tea, and all day Saturday until 4pm. So I wanted something for him to eat that he didn’t have to fuss with.

The big news is that Autmn passed her Driver’s Test! I prayed all day for her – and God is good — all the time! And since she’s over 21 she gets a ‘big girl license’. Cameron, however, is still working on his Learner’s Permit…

I got the left side of the hill done. The plants are filling in nicely but still have a ways to go. I finished that last corner and then did under the deck in the back. That didn’t take long, but getting under the steps was uncomfortable. One thing at a time!

My blessing today was that Autmn passed her test. I’m very thankful as she really needs it to get a job and stepping into the rest of her life!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 3rd is:

National Paranormal Day; National Public Radio Day; National Two Different Color Shoes Day; Sun Day; Wordsmith Day; Kentucky Oaks; Lumpy Rug Day; National Brewed Tea Day; National Chocolate Custard Day; National Garden Meditation Day; National No Pants Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Take a Hike Day. As for tomorrow, Wordsmith Day is cool – and I kind of like two different colored shoes. But I won’t consider not wearing pants. Have fun, and God bless…

Well, here we are – May Day! I hope little kids all over the country celebrated with a Maypole dance. So exciting to make those memories.

I alternated my day by reading chapters in the second Mitford book and cleaning the house. Right now I am waiting for the dryer to finish so I can fold towels.

After I finished cleaning I went down on the hill and almost finished the left side. Just one little corner to do.

And the horses on the hill just stood around munching…

Not a very exciting day to write about, but a productive day! The rest of the week will be on a fast track. I’m ready…

My blessing for today was just spending a bit of time outside. The fresh air and the breeze felt refreshing.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

National Baby Day; Brothers and Sisters Day; Harry Potter Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Day of Prayer; National Play your Ukulele Day; World Password Day; National Truffle Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Trash Day. Above all, take time out of your day tomorrow to spend time in prayer. Our families, our nation, our health — and also thankful for our Salvation. God bless…

The day did start out sunny and warm, but the rain eventually came. But first I worked both stores. Jeannette put me through the paces, as there were complications with everything I attempted. I was home by 11:30am and jumped right into yard work. The grass really needed to be cut, so I decided to forego pulling weeds and cut before the rain hit. I got the grass cut and weed whacked and the walks and driveway blown clean.

I stopped long enough to have lunch – leftover pot pie that was in the freezer. Yum! My neighbor was outside walking one of his dogs, so we chatted on the street for a bit before I went back inside and got out the rest of my summer clothes. I was wondering why I didn’t have any summer yard work clothes, and then I remembered that I only unpacked the summer clothes that I needed for vacation.

I had made a note to remind me to change the photos on the fridge. I liked seeing the old Crooks springhouse pics but I missed having my little family on view. I left the two original springhouse pictures that Aunt Hazel and Mom had sent me ages ago, and added a picture of Biltmore. Then I added Cameron, a young Kathy & I, Nate’s group several years ago, and the Hancher family when the boys were very young. I’m happy with it – for now!

Today is my friend Teresa’s birthday – Hope you have a happy day spending it with Gigi!

It’s 6:30pm and I could probably ‘force’ myself to pull weeds for an hour – but I actually don’t want to! I need a break. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

My blessing for today was mowing with my totally serviced mower – and I even took time to hose it off and clean it before I put it away. Brian would be proud of me!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 1st is: ( There was a very long list – here are a few!)

Blessing Day (my favorite!); Frequent Flyer Day; Global Love day; National Trash Day; Great American Grump Out; International Doodle Dog Day; Learn to Ride a Bike Day; May Day; Mother Goose Day; National Loyalty Day; Phone in Sick Day; Zombie Awareness Month; National Interpreters Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Hopping Day. Take time tomorrow to count and appreciate your blessings! Maybe read some Mother Good rhymes, and probably avoid calling in sick! My favorite interpreter is of course my sister. Have a happy day and God bless…

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of April 2024. One-Third of the year will be over, and where – exactly – did it go?

I worked at both stores today but neither were busy for me. They had a steady flow of customers but those deals aren’t ready for me yet. I was home by 10:30, had a quick snack, and headed to weed the hill. I worked for an hour but it was very hot, so I took a break, made lunch and read inside for half an hour.

There was more of a breeze when I went back out. I put on some sunscreen and got back at it. At about 4:30 I called it quits and switched gears – I washed the car. That was good for cooling off.

Now I’m inside and having a pretzel until I can make dinner. I still have clothes in the dryer to fold and iron, as well. And I forgot to mention yesterday that a friend of mine from Hanna’s Town (their longest and oldest volunteer!) passed away on Sunday. She was 85. She was the tea ‘ queen ‘ – mixed up the spiced teas and hosted the semi-annual Victorian teas that are so popular. She will be dearly missed – she was a beloved and valued member of our team. It won’t be the same moving forward.

A little bunny just hopped past my door and up the steps!

Blessing today was beautiful weather! I love being outside. I just noticed that the weather on my computer toolbar said strong winds coming. Hmmm.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 30th is:

Day of the Child Day; Hairstyle Appreciation Day; National Hopping Day; Healthy Kids Day; Honesty Day; International Jazz Day; Mr. Potato Head Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Bugs Bunny Day; National Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Tie Dye Day; National Raisin Day; National Military Brats Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Red Door Day. We had Mr. Potato Head when we were growing up – but we used the pieces with real potatoes! It’s important to be honest, and why not have an oatmeal raisin cookie? Did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Enjoy – and God Bless..

Happy 18th birthday Christina Kelly! Can’t believe so many years have passed. She’s accomplished so much, and grown to be a lovely young lady. Can’t wait to see what’s next for her!

But first, Church and Sunday School. Our lesson was from Luke 15, the lost sheep and the lost coin. We had Ben and Max today, and even though they appeared fidgety and restless, they could recite both stories the whole way through with complete details! Kids must learn differently these days.

Todd was away performing a wedding for old friends from out of state, so Wayne had the message this morning. It was about maintaining spiritual momentum. Some hints that help us accomplish this: Anticipate God’s blessings, and don’t turn back. When we first start out everything seems fun, but we eventually slow down. Don’t be fooled – God’s power is at work. Look to the past, as it teaches us, Hang out with people who are on fire for God, and get rid of what hinders us from keeping on until we finish; remain faithful and keep your eyes on Jesus.

After church I caught up on the ironing, then headed to the Herminie bowling lanes for Chrissy’s party. There were snacks, and pizza, and two cookie cakes and balloons. Everyone who bowled had a good time.

Cameron liked the colored flashing lights and the glow necklaces that everyone wore. He certainly had enough attention.

Chrissy got several really nice presents, including a few things for her dorm room in the fall at Point State University. And money! Always a fun thing to get!

When I got home I changed clothes and spent about 2 hours on the hill. I got the top half totally done. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll start on the bottom half. My leg muscles are sore from balancing on the steeper part of the hill.

My blessings for today were numerous – spending time with my family, getting baby hugs, and seeing Christina glowing (in more ways than one!) and happy! AND… the chocolate chip cookie cake. My favorite!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 29th is:

Day of Trees; Red Door Day; International Dance Day; National Peace Rose Day; National Shrimp Scampi Day; National Supply Chain day; National Zipper Day; Viral Video Day; World Wish Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Drink More Water Day – although drinking water is important every day. Tomorrow, hug a tree, then dance! I WISH you a wonderful, new week. God bless…

I’m am SO exhausted. I’ve been on a marathon weed pulling adventure and I ache all over! Whew – and I’m not done yet. Not HALF done yet.

This morning I took Autmn and Cameron to his doctor’s appointment. He had a reaction to something and had a diaper rash that was pretty nasty. The doctor said Autmn was doing all the right things and just keep it up – and watch certain foods, at least until it heals up. He now has two front teeth!

She had plans today, so I took them home after the appointment. Then I zipped out to the mall and exchanged my accidental purchase. It sure was busier today than yesterday and I even got there right when it opened! Glad that’s done. After Cheerios for lunch I got back to weeding the hill. I got about 2/3rds of the top section weeded. It doesn’t look impressive from the picture but it took a lot of pulling and balancing.

I quit weeding after about 2 hours and got the rest of the yard decorations out. That took a long time and a lot of trips from the shed, but the little yard cart that I got for Christmas was really a blessing. No carrying or lifting! When that was finished I planted the yellow tulip Kathy gave me (they can’t plant in her neighborhood – HOA) and moved a Hosta that was crowded out.

I made a salad for supper – so now here is the end of Vacation. We left Mt. Airy and headed north on Route 77. We grabbed a quick lunch at McDonalds because we couldn’t find a Chick Fil-A. When we stopped for gas later we got a small snack. I bought an orange sherbet push-up. I don’t think I’ve had one of those in several decades. It was just enough, and very nostalgic!

We made a short stop at New River Gorge. No one wanted to walk down and then back up all those steps, so we just stayed at the overlook and took pictures.

We knew we were getting close home when we passed the Fayette County Fair Grounds – and then soon we were on Route 119 and ready to get off the exit. We got home about 4:30 – and it took me a few hours to get everything sorted and put away and laundry done.

It was a wonderful vacation, and I was NOT ready to come home! It was laid back and low key and we enjoyed everything we did – such a variety. Lots of history. I’m ready to go again – anywhere!

My blessing for today was seeing Cameron, and getting baby snuggles, and watching him laugh and try to tear apart the paper on the exam table! I love those guys!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 28th is:

National Clean Comedy Day; Global Pay it Forward Day; Great Poet Reading Day; National Blueberry Pie Day; National Drink More Water Day; National Cubicle Day; National Pet Parents Day; National Super Hero Day; National Small Business Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Chickadee Day. Tomorrow Christina turns 18! I plan on going to her party. Probably cake but no blueberry pie. God bless!

Second half of vacation day -Wednesday April 17th. We left Hudson and drove the hour to Mt. Airy, AKA Mayberry. We drove straight to the Museum and were excited to have time to go through it in the afternoon. I would sort of compare it to the Lucille Ball museum when we went to New York a few years ago. There was SO MUCH to see, and even lots to listen to. There were snippets and clips from the show at certain displays, and actual props and artifacts from the series.

We left the museum and went in search of food. What better place to eat than the Mayberry Drive-In? The food was great and reasonably priced. It had been a long time since breakfast! The proprietor was so nice – he unlocked the police car for us to take pictures, and even gave us coupons and pamphlets about the town.

We found a nice motel to spend the night, and there was an indoor pool. Kathy was in her happy place! We were the only ones in the pool area and it was warm and relaxing. Nice way to end the evening – Full stomach and a swim!

After a nice breakfast at the motel, we headed back into town and drove past the house that Andy Griffith grew up in. It is now a rental for tourists and vacationers.

Continuing into town, we went to the Mayberry Courthouse. It was set up as the Sheriff’s office and the two jail cells. We all took turns going to jail – but Paul was content to be the sheriff!

The Darling family cabin was right behind the courthouse.

Wally’s Service station had a gift shop attached, which we walked around. They had chocolate covered pretzels coated with chocolate chips, nuts or M&M’s. We all had one for a mid-morning snack. When we got to the station there were several older gentlemen sitting in the rockers, chatting away!

So tomorrow, I’ll take us home!

I worked this morning for a bit, and PENNDOT decided it would take that exact opportunity to go off-line. So while I was waiting I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes for the guys. I came home, grabbed lunch, and then spent a few hours pulling and digging weeds.

I finished up about 4:30pm and buzzed out to the Mall. I was looking for something specific and found almost the exact thing. I tried it on and liked it but wanted a different color. Wouldn’t you know when I exchanged the colors I got the wrong thing. So now I have to run back out tomorrow or Sunday and straighten that out. Bummer.

My cousin Brian stopped and picked up my mower. It runs fine but is in severe need of a full service. He’s going to clean it up, put on a new blade, change the air filter, and check the oil. I’m excited!

My blessing today was cleaning the kitchen at work. It made me feel useful, and helpful, and they really appreciated it. You always receive blessings by blessing others!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 27th is:

Save the Frogs Day; Woody Woodpecker Day; National Gummy Bear Day; National First Ladies Day; Autism Super Mom Day; Babe Ruth Day; Eeyore’s Birthday; Independent Book Store Day; National Chickadee Day; International Sculpture Day; Morse Code Day; National Devil Dog Day (what is a devil dog???); National Pool Opening Day; National Sense of Smell Day; National Tell a Story Day.

Yesterday’s fake day: National Coaster day. I have never saved a frog. Kathy will be excited about First Ladies Day. I’m for independent bookstores and telling stories. Have fun celebrating! God bless…

Vacation day April 17th – Wednesday. We really packed a lot into this day! We left Asheville and all dreams of Biltmore behind. But not before stopping back at the Gatehouse gift shop at the entrance to Biltmore. Kathy and I wondered around in there and bought a few items – for me it was basically a coffee table book about Biltmore. It’s a great, practical way to remember our time there with beautiful pictures and descriptions. The world knows I’m not much of a photographer!

Leaving there our original intent was to jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway and take the scenic route. For some reason we thought we could get on at Black Mountain. When we got there we didn’t see any access so we kept driving and ended up in Montreat – a mountain retreat center and college campus. It was one of those places that there is one way in and the same way out! No Thru Way!

We drove around in circles for a while, and finally got directions from a very scary looking (but helpful and nice) man with a huge machete type knife. Yikes! We found the way back out and on the right route to Hudson, North Carolina. In this small mountain town there is an old elementary school that has been turned into a community center, including the Mitford Museum. The museum is all about Jan’s personal life, Father Tim (main character of the books) and Mitford, the fictional town set in – you guessed in! – the mountains of North Carolina!

Jan Karon created Mitford and the plethora of characters that made up Father Tim’s neighbors and parishioners in her Mitford book series. Paul bought the first book – At Home in Mitford – even before it was released for public sale, as he worked for David C. Cook, the publisher who optioned the book initially. Kathy read it and then lent it to me to read. We were both hooked for life.

The museum included a gift shop with everything Mitford – with quotes and pictures and puzzles and soaps and mugs and ornaments and books and you NAME it! It had been years since I had read the series through – there are fourteen books in the series, with several more companion and children’s books. Just standing there took me back to ‘Mitford’ and all the unique characters and personalities. I have since started to re-read the series and am almost done with the first book.

Jan Karon was a great inspiration to me when I attempted to write my books. She had started writing and was published about the age I started seriously writing, years later. Thanks in part to her I kept at it, and eventually Letters to Mary was published. So I took a copy of the book down and left it at the museum for her. The staff said she is still very hands on, even at age 84!

Kelly tries to make tee-shirts for Kathy and I for our vacations, and this year she made Mitford shirts. When we walked into the museum the staff was very excited! They took our picture and sent it to Jan! How fun was that!

It was quite an experience to see all the personal items and stories about her young life, and about the years following. The second room was all about Mitford, with pictures and quotes and artifacts that inspired the story. She even had the original creche that she bought (with several pieces in poor condition) that needed refurbished. Her daughter Candace suggested that they be part of the story (Shepherds Abiding) and that Father Tim could restore them for Cynthia’s Christmas gift! Which she did.

Even her typewriter was there. She was very generous with her possessions to be put on display. That’s her WHOLE LIFE! I loved that little sojourn into the fictional town of Mitford North Carolina! I could go on and on — in fact I just did!

I’ll recap the afternoon’s adventures tomorrow. A lot still to go!

My blessing for today was getting groceries (finally), pulling weeds, and being cozy and snuggled in my lovely home!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMRROW April 26th is:

National Historic Marker Day; National Dissertation Day; National Audubon Day; National Hairball Awareness Day; National Coaster Day; Alien Day; Confederate Hero’s Day; Get Organized Day; Hug an Australian Day; National Ai Day; National Arbor Day; National Garage Day; National Help a Horse Day; National Pretzel Day; Remember Your First Kiss Day; Secretary’s Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stay up Late Day. Today- I love historic markers, Confederate (and Union) heroes, and I’m always organized. As for hugging an Australian, bring on Keith Urban! I swept my garage today. I don’t personally know any horses, I love pretzels, too. Have a great weekend and God Bless…

I could have stayed at the Biltmore and walked around and just soaked in the ambiance for hours! But we had miles to go and so many things to see and experience.

So we all three hopped on the bus and went back to the parking lot. I grabbed shorts and changed in the restroom – as I was really warm in my jeans. It’s warmer in the south! We drove over to Antler Village – where the two hotels are and more gift shops and food places. We had lunch there – just sandwiches, chips and water. I kept my water bottle!

Driving back down the three mile driveway we saw a herd of cows along the road. I think Biltmore cows are happy cows! And we still had amazing views.

We went into town and bought tickets for the Trolley History Tour of Asheville. I also found postcards and a magnet in the gift shop. Our tour guide was very funny and had a lot of interesting information and great stories. Tons of history of the city. We drove around Asheville for almost two hours, seeing and learning. He was very southern and some of what he said was hard to decipher. But it really was a fun tour.

We had Olive Garden for supper and their cream of chicken soup was very good. I wrote out postcards when we got back to the motel and got organized for the morning. Wednesday would be our Mitford and Mt. Airy day.

Today (vacation day April 16th) was Sir Rege’s birthday! Happy, happy birthday, Sir Regis!

Today, April 24th, is Logan’s birthday. He’s 17 today! Happy birthday Logan, and many more. So proud of who you are. Love you.

My blessing today was getting the grass cut! Yea! Small things are often big blessings.

My azaleas are blooming!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 25th is:

East Meets West Day; Hairstylist Appreciation Day; License Plate Day; National Hug a Plumber Day; National Telephone Day; National Stay up Late Day; National Zucchini Bread Day; Red Hat Society Day; Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sheriff Day. Today – I don’t know any plumbers to hug, but I have a great recipe for zucchini bread. And of course, my life is license plates. Have a wonderful day and God bless…

I didn’t mention yesterday that once we got to the motel and got settled, Kathy and I went out to the patio and played trivia games. She had a ‘First Ladies’ game and a Bible trivia. I held my own but she’s much better at games. We both learned a lot about our First Ladies! It was fun! THEN we went for ice cream.

Biltmore or Bust!

Beautiful day – and the drive to Biltmore was amazing. Bamboo, flowering trees, plants, and vistas lined the three mile drive up to the estate. The plan included getting to a parking lot and boarding a shuttle that takes guests to the estate. My first sight of the mansion was thrilling!

The fountain was not on when we got there, but came on shortly after. We had a while to wait for our tour time, so we went into the Sables and settled in. Paul found a table in the shade to wait it out. Kathy and I walked through all the gift shops. There were so many things to see. We found Biltmore pencils – Kathy loves pencils! Also found books and mugs and magnets and tee shirts and chocolate and just about anything you can think of.

Our tour time was 10:45am – and they were very strict about not letting anyone in line before the appointed time. We heard that 3,000 visitors were expected at the estate Tuesday. It was actually fun standing in line, looking up at the amazing turrets and windows and stonework. Wow. Thankfully it was not too hot to stand in the open sun to wait.

Once inside we were given speakers that looked like TV remotes. There were station numbers at every space and you pushed the corresponding number. It was an easy, comfortable way to learn about the home and the people. Not quite as fun as personal tour guides but we could go at our own pace, as relaxed as we felt like. So much to see and so much to learn. History!!

First Floor: (If you watched the Hallmark BILTMORE CHRISTMAS movie this is the staircase that Lucy escaped on)

Second Floor:

Third Floor:

Fourth Floor:

Basement:

When we finished inside the house, Paul met us at the terrace – and that’s when he got his picture taken with the eye-rolling lion. He sat on the bench by the bus stops and chatted up with people coming and going. He shared that he had bought ice cream at the Biltmore Dairy Bar and pronounced it perfect!

He waited there while Kathy and I took pictures and relaxed on shady benches to take a break. Then we walked down through the wisteria pergola to the gardens. There were – again – tulips everywhere! There was a conservatory greenhouse full of beautiful plants and blooming flowers, and once section had a young lady playing playing live music and singing for the guests.

We stopped to take a picture in front of an exceptionally huge, bright azalea, and noticed a small ‘crowd’ up the pathway. We discovered that there was an unwelcome guest slithering around the grounds!

After we were done exploring the gardens, we all three boarded a bus and went back to the parking lot. The drive down the mountain was dotted with beauty – but my favorite was the azalea gardens. Every color and every size you can imagine! I loved them the best!

Tomorrow we will finish up the afternoon and evening, but I’ll just keep dreaming of the Biltmore, especially the outside of the mansion and the bright gardens! Even now, a week later, I stop and let my mind wander to the house and grounds and just smile!!

My blessing for today was another day to be outside. I pulled and dug weeds in three different spaces – the stones on the hill are the WORST! So glad that’s done.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW April 24th is:

Administrative Professional / Secretary Day; Denim Day; Fashion Revolution Day; International Guide Dog Day; National Sheriff Day; National Pet Care for All Day; National Pigs in a Blanket Day; National Skipping Day; National Kids on the Block Day; Scream Day; World Stationery Day.

I voted today! Not many running in this election. Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Play in the Mud Day. I wore Denim today, and I’ve spent my LIFE being a secretary in some form or another. I will try not to scream… God bless.