Kath and I had a conference call this morning about Mom’s care plan. Seems everything is going well, and they filled us in on the plan and how she is doing. Work was fine, but a long day, as there were several things at each store.

The big deal for today is that the crown on my bottom right tooth popped off again. AGAIN! This was a ‘mess’ created by a previous inept dentist. Dr. Lane is working with me to try and resolve some of this, but I’m thinking he will suggest an implant. I don’t mind that, but it’s mostly NOT covered by dental insurance.

I just finished reading (as a first reader!!!) a new book from Elizabeth Bromke, called The House on Apple Hill Lane. I just love reading her books – she is such a talented writer! I think I have read all her books so far. I’m now on her ARC (advanced reader copy) list so I am very excited to read it before most of everyone else! I wholly recommend this book (first in a series) and the other series books that she has written. Look her up! It’s very much worth the read! Her characters are believable and interesting, and the story line is always complex enough to keep me from putting the books down! Can’t wait until the next one comes out in May!

I got a txt from my friend Diane this morning – her daughter Shannon made the front page of the Penn-Franklin news! She is participating in a program called ’12 for 12′ – Residents/friends of Murrysville are challenged to walk, run, or bike 12 miles on Murrysville trails in the first 12 weeks of 2021. I know that Shannon is a hiker – I’ve been with her and her mom a few times! Good luck to you, Shannon – keep us posted with your progress!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield Church about GOSSIP. (Things that hinder relationships). Gossip definitely breaks down relationships; once we say something it’s impossible to retrieve it. A gossip is a person who reveals sensational talk about others, often hurtful, and is one of Satan’s greatest tools. Gossip CAN be true, but it’s still hurtful and destructive. 1) What does it do? Separates close friends and tears down relationships; betrays a confidence. 2) Why do we listen to destructive gossip, then pass it on? We need to repent and seek forgiveness, and only speak words that build up, not tear down! Think before you speak!

On this day in 1960 the US Army promoted Elvis Presley to Sergeant, and in 1964 Jacqueline Kennedy made her first public TV appearance since JFK’s assassination; in 1967 Sonny & Cher released ‘And the Beat Goes On’. Edmond Halley (Halley’s Comet) died in 1742 at age 85, and Lewis Carroll (wrote Alice in Wonderland) died at age 65 in 1898. Humphrey Bogart died at age 57 in 1957. And in 1954 Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe. Mark Anthony was born in Rome in 83 BC, and Benedict Arnold in 1741. Two of my friends are having birthdays today. Lee Tobin McClain is another terrific author and a friend. I met Lee when she was the director of the Writing Popular Fiction Master’s Program at Seton Hill University, in which I was a student. She encouraged me and celebrated with me and I’m happy to call her a friend. Also, Jess Reckner, who worked with me at Smail’s for several years. We were talking one day about maiden names, and it turns out that she is the granddaughter of my dad’s best friend back when Kathy and I were growing up. Small world! Happy birthday to these two lovely ladies! Enjoy your day!

TOMORROW January 15 is:

• National Bagel Day
• National Booch Day
• National Hat Day
• National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

The best I can do in the hat department is to share the picture of mom in hers taken last June! Have a great weekend and do something safe and fun! God bless…

Just had a salad and garlic toast for supper. The day was fairly uneventful, as it goes. Treadmill, scrub bathrooms and kitchen, dust, sweep. Nothing out of the ordinary. Kath and I had a FaceTime visit with Mom, but she seemed more interested in a nap!

The one thing that frustrated me was that on Monday I took four packets to the post office to send out. I didn’t know how much postage to put on because of weight and size. They were all envelopes. Today in the mail I got one of them sent back to me, returned for postage. Now I ask you: Why did I take the trouble to go to the post office when they themselves put on the wrong amount? So tomorrow after work I have to make another trip to the post office. Sigh.

I got a txt message from my friend Gen this morning. Her mom passed away on Monday. She was 102. My heart goes out to those who are grieving, as they cannot be together in a celebration and remembrance of her life. But Jesus was standing there with his arms outstretched, waiting to welcome her as the angels rejoiced. As was her husband, son-in-law, and – as Gen said – her heavenly receiving line would be very long, people waiting to welcome her home! My prayers are with her family, who rejoice and mourn together.

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – Back to Basics. TRUTH is always true! 1) God loves you 2) God is faithful, and still works miracles. The basics are A) Affection – love God. It’s a choice. B) Behavior – keep his commandments. C) Chastening – God will chastise fairly to protect us – be open to his chastening. D) Demonstration – shows his greatness, which is beyond our comprehension. E) Examples – He shows us his power and care. F) Faithfulness – Build up your faith, as even the smallest amount is important and can move mountains. Start from where you are, and go forward back to basics.

On this date in 1962 Chubby Checker’s THE TWIST went #1 again two years after being #1 the first time. In 2020 Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement saying she reluctantly supported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wish to live a more independent life. Stephen Foster died in 1864 at age 37, Wyatt Earp at age 80 in 1929, and Hubert Humphrey (38th Vice President) died in 1978 at age 66. In 2006 “The Diary of Anne Frank” actress Shelley Winters (85) weds Gerry DeFord a few hours before her death. Rip Taylor was born in 1931, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus (of SEINFELD fame) was born in 1961. And my friend and boss at the Greensburg store, Joe Faddish, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Joe! Hope you had a wonderful day and the year ahead is delightful and successful!

TOMORROW January 14 is:

• National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
• Ratification Day

I don’t have any pets any more but here’s a picture of Tazz cooking dinner! Enjoy your Thursday – God bless!

I sat through a three and a half hour training session required for PENNDOT users; as a title clerk it is mandatory. Oh, joy. But I did learn a few things, so that it good. After 54 years you’d think there was nothing new under the sun. With PENNDOT there is ALWAYS something new, whether you like it or not.

AGENT SERVICES BASIC

TITLE AND REGISTRATION COURSE

AND ADVANCED REFRESHER TRAINING

Just an update on Steve (Maplewood) – he was able to be taken off oxygen and has been sent home from the hospital to recover, which he is doing. Thanks for your prayers on his behalf! Keep them coming!

It was very fun to visit with April a little tonight. We ordered pizza from Abie & Bimbos, had a salad, and cookies for dessert. We talked for three and a half hours, so I guess I balanced my day! It was so very good to catch up, and I was so glad to be able to share some time with her. She’s like my second ‘daughter’. These visits are so rare these days that it’s like a cup of cool water in the dessert. Refreshes the soul!

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist – practicing the presence of God. We need to know the power and presence of God. Our human spirit is restless until it finds the presence of God – be conscious of God’s presence all the time, even when you are alone Jesus is there! He’s sitting across the table from you, working beside you, with you in the car – everywhere! Completely give yourself to a life of prayer and be devoted to God. He will make his presence known to you!

On this day in 1949 ‘Arthur Godfrey’ premiered on CBS, and in 1966 BATMAN debuted on ABC (POW! BANG! ZONK!!!). In 1988 Willie Stargell was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 1995 the Murder trial against O J Simpson began. Agatha Christie died at age 85 in 1976. John Winthrop (First governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) was born in 1588, Joe Frazier in 1944, Rush Limbaugh in 1951, and Howard Stern in 1954. Today, mother and daughter are celebrating birthdays! My dear Cousin Beth (a beloved Skunk Hollow Cousin!) has a birthday today, and her daughter Sabrina Lauren, does as well! Happy birthday to these two lovely, special women! Beth is in the front row sitting, and Sabrina is standing directly behind her. God bless you two!

TOMORROW January 13 is:

• Korean American Day
• National Peach Melba Day
• National Rubber Ducky Day
• Stephen Foster Memorial Day
• National Sticker Day

I guess Ernie from Sesame Street is celebrating Rubber Ducky Day! And I always had stickers in my desk at work for when the kids came in – They called me the sticker lady! Long, long ago…. Of late, I’d have M&Ms!!! Have a great day tomorrow, no matter how you celebrate! God bless…

Treadmill – worked both Pinnacle stores! I’ve been having trouble with my left eye pinching so I went to Dr. Laughlin this morning. She did a lot of explaining and drew pictures on her white board and did drops and swabs and tests. It’s nothing dangerous but she put it down as a deformity! Apparently my ‘roots’ are weak and when my eyelid opens and my eyes are very dry (which they are all the time!) it tugs on the roots. So I have a cream to use at night to ease that. I really like her a lot, and highly recommend THE EYE CENTER at Eastgate Plaza.

Otherwise it was a quiet day! I listened to three of my ‘guys’ and got half way through the 4th one – then got hungry so I made a salad. I’ll have to finish that one tomorrow.

Today I will review a message that I stumbled across accidentally on YouTube – Tim Jones, from my home church youth group. He and his wife Lisa are great ministers and advocates to the hurting. It was a December message, and he talked about the type of gift givers and receivers people are. Receivers: 1) Educator – they go to great lengths to tell you what type of gifts to get them, and why what you bought is not ‘worthy’. 2) Way too excited – you could get them toothpaste and they’d gush over it – over reaction. 3) Polite – they let you know that they appreciate the gift and the though and that you tried, but you know it falls short. God’s gift to you – how do you receive it? Like the above three examples? Giver: Kindness is going beyond. Don’t give gifts out of obligation, or to attain visibility and ‘glory’. Do it for HEAVEN’s sake – What are you doing that will last? The good stuff we do will survive – well done, good and faithful servant!

On this day in 2007 J K Rowling finished her 7th and last novel. Alexander Hamilton was born in 1755 in the West Indies, and Rod Taylor in 1930. Also Deegan Bath is eight today! Deegan is the son of Heather and David Bath – David is the other half of B&B Window Cleaning. Happy birthday Deegan! Enjoy being eight!!!

Tomorrow January 12 is:

• National Curried Chicken Day
• National Kiss A Ginger Day
• National Marzipan Day
• National Pharmacist Day
• Shop for Travel Day 

Rats! – I picked up my prescription today! Oh, well — And I’d love to be shopping to travel. Not yet! Have a great Tuesday everyone – God Bless!

Treadmill, breakfast, then started cleaning projects and organizational stuff. Still going through photos but I think I’m done now. Cleaned out half of the closet under the steps, switched out bookcases with a smaller one, and also one of the dressers. Glad to have accomplished that!

So far, no changes in either Steve (Maplewood) or my friend’s mom. Will keep you posted.

I listened to Paul from River Hill – New attitude/new year. Attitude is more important than facts. We have a choice in our attitude. It’s been said 10% is what happens in our lives; 90% is our reaction. How will you use your attitude to live every day? 1) set your mind on things above and let the peace of God rule in your heart. Peace is harmony and quiet and God’s calm. Attitude must be ruled by His peace. Don’t let chaos rule your life. 2) let the Word of Christ dwell in you. It should not just show up from time to time, but LIVE there! Love, learn and live the Word! 3) Do everything in the name of the Lord. We represent God in everything we say or do. We live for Him. How you dress, drive, work, speak, treat friends and family, view entertainment — we have choices! New attitude, new year: Be THANKFUL! He loves us always. We can’t do it on our own. We need Jesus!

On this date in 1870 John D Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil. Ethan Allen (American revolutionary patriot) was born in 1738 (Doesn’t he own furniture, too???), and Rod Stewart in 1945; George Foreman in 1949. Samuel Colt, who invented the Colt 6-shot revolver, died in 1862 at age 47. David Bowie died at age 69 in 2016. In 1942 Ava Gardner married Mickey Rooney.

TOMORROW January 11 is:

• National Arkansas Day
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
• National Milk Day
• National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
• National Clean Off Your Desk Day 

Cleaning off your desk is a great idea! Helps you work more efficiently! You go clean up, and I go look for puddles… God bless!!!

Treadmill, txt message, another txt message, notary work, phone call from Colorado, txt message — then Nate came over and helped put the furniture back together and hang pictures and closet doors. A huge, special THANKS to Nate for his pleasant and expert assistance and hard work! I spent several hours cleaning floors, making the bed, and putting everything away. Even went through my clothes again and got an additional bag to give away. Next I am going through my jewelry. Photos of put-together room below!

Autmn and I finally got to go shopping so she could get her Christmas gifts – she was in Florida so we just spent the afternoon shopping and had lunch. It was a nice afternoon and was glad to spend it with her! When I came home I put on my new Snoopy slipper socks from Hanchers! Life is RUFF!! Fun and warm!

As I am really worn out from my busy day, this will be smaller than usual. So my inspirational sharing will be from Snoopy – I, too, give thanks for all of you, and pray daily that God will continue to bless and keep you!

On this day in 1959 Rawhide with Clint Eastwood premiered on TV, and in 1967 the Monkees (I LOVED the Monkees!) released their second album. Michael Jackson won Artist of the Century award at the AMA’s in 2002. Richard Nixon (37th President) was born in 1913, Bob Denver in 1935, and Kate Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge) was born in 1982. And my cousin Beth’s grandson Julian turned 15 today! Happy, happy birthday, Julian!

Many, many more!

TOMORROW January 10th is:

• National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
• National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
• National Oysters Rockefeller Day
• National Save The Eagles Day
• National Sunday Supper Day –

One final note – my friend’s mom is in a nursing home – age 103 – and is struggling with COVID. Please pray for her comfort and peace and healing, and for her family! Thank you — God bless

Treadmill again! Nate and Chrissy came over early, and Chrissy did her online school while Nate painted. It looks so crisp and nice! We’re letting it rest and dry overnight and then tomorrow hopefully get it all back together slowly.

Even though the Christmas lights and decorations are all tucked away, I still have a small set of blue lights that rest on the back of the couch. Gives a little glow to the living room. After Chrissy finished her classes, I had her take my little plain wood church and ‘paint’ it with Sharpies. It looks much better now on the shelf with the other houses.

I will share Kyle’s message from December 27th. The same message can encourage one day and frustrate another day. When Mary heard the news of Jesus’s pending birth from the angel, she had one point of view; Joseph had quite another. We have a choice: Trust in God and not fear destruction. God chose to be with his creation since the beginning, and it was His desire. The spirit of God lives in us. God is with us: Emmanuel. No matter what you are going through, Jesus walks with us; we are so consumed with our circumstances we don’t acknowledge his presence. Believe, accept, embrace – Emmanuel.

On this day in 1790 president George Washington delivered the first state of the union address, and in 1968 Jacques Cousteau’s first undersea special aired on US TV. Elvis Presley was born in 1935, David Bowie in 1947, Marco Polo (69) died in 1324 (he’s probably in a pool somewhere—), and Eli Whitney died in 1825 at age 49.

TOMORROW January 9 is:

• National Apricot Day
• National Balloon Ascension Day
• National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• National Static Electricity Day
• National Vision Board Day 

It’s the weekend – do something fun and safe and enjoy! God bless . . .

Treadmill again – slept on the couch as the bedrooms were un-sleepable! It was nice to have a little ambiance, though, with the electric fireplace. But I have to say that by morning, I was wrapped in my blankets like a sausage roll, had kicked both rice bags to the carpet, and found the remote under the couch. But all it well now!

Nate got 2 coats of paint on the ceiling and closet, and everything taped off for the walls and trim tomorrow. Another night or two on the couch and I’ll be back in my little room!

For those of you who follow ‘my seven guys’, please keep Steve from Maplewood in your prayers. He and his wife Marie both have COVID, but Steve is currently in the hospital. Just thought the more prayer warriors out there the better. They have suspended services for the next few weeks so there will be no messages to share from Steve :(.

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Create a pure heart in me oh Lord. It’s a new year! Serve him with gladness; start fresh! it’s hard to change your heart – easier to change the outside appearance or actions. King David made a plea to God for change; wanted forgiveness for his sins; he knew it was a a ‘big deal’ – sin separated him from God. Jesus died for sins. David wanted a clean, pure heart that was connected to God. We can’t change our own hearts – only God can do that. We can change our outward appearance but not our heart. David appealed for renewed spirit, attitude and will – a desire to be holy and right. If we confess, God will hear and forgive. And answer our plea for a pure heart and right spirit!

On this day I did not find anything of significant interest happening! Millard Filmore – 13th president – was born in 1800, and Nicolas Cage in 1964. And today is my friend Carol Rossi Mash’s birthday – Carol and I worked together for years at Smail Auto, and she always opened her home for us to watch the fireworks during Greensburg Community days. A lot of wonderful memories there! And also today, my ‘almost a daughter’ April and her husband Quincy are celebrating their wedding anniversary. Best wishes for many more – love you guys!

TOMORROW January 8 is:

• National Argyle Day
• National Bubble Bath Day
• National English Toffee Day
• National JoyGerm Day
• National Winter Skin Relief Day 

Remember to pray for our broken nation, those who are alone, and those struggling with illness. And also remember to be thankful! God bless – – –

It was a chilly walk outside this morning but did feel invigorating! After breakfast I started taking everything out of my bedroom – took the switch plates off and everything off the wall and took the hooks down. Nate is going to paint for me and I wanted to get a head start. I washed everything and wiped down all the cords and furniture and pictures, and even rinsed off the silk flowers. It will be nice to have it fresh and bright. Of course I chose purple – a different shade than it already is.

Yesterday Chrissy took some pictures of the trees covered with snow. She loves taking nature and weather pictures so I am sharing a few.

Today I will share Rod’s message – All things are possible. People respond to expressions of love and sharing far more than church attendance and doctrine. They notice a quiet, sincere reverence that we have toward God and how we handle life and love for others. We need to honor his name – even angels worship and honor God. We need to have a clean heart – We can’t do that on our own but Jesus can. We should live a life of reverence and love until He comes again – when will he come? This year? This month? This week? How will you live your life? Love others and love God, and let others see that reverence in you.

On this day in 1838 Samuel Morse demonstrated his telegraph machine in New Jersey, and in 1929 Mother Teresa arrived in Calcutta to begin her work there. Elvis made his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1957, and Ted Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves in 1976. John Smith – leader of the Virginia Colony (Jamestown) was born in 1580, and Loretta Young in 1913. Louis Braille died at age 43 from TB in 1852 and Theodore Roosevelt (26h President) died at age 60 in 1919. In 1759 our first president George Washington married Martha Custis, and in 1945 George H W Bush (who would be our 41st president) married Barbara Pierce.

TOMORROW January 7 is:

• National Bobblehead Day
• National Tempura Day

Have a safe, warm, and happy day – and live love! God bless – – –

Didn’t make the Walmart run at 6am. It was snowy and icy and I bailed! Will have to grab groceries later in the week. I did take a two mile walk in the snow – want to see what I saw? Even though we didn’t have sunshine, the snow cast a glow of its own.

I have been looking at refrigerators (for about 2 years!) — the new ones are several inches wider than mine. Hoping it would fit…. Nate and I measured and it will take about 4 inches off my space. There is seldom more than just me in the house so not sure I should worry about 4 inches for 5 or 6 meals a year!

Today I will share Micah’s message from January 3rd, the second part of Tale of two sons. Last week was John the Baptist – this week, Jesus. Jesus was 1) Word keeper – he kept his word (promises); still does and always will. 2) Wall breaker – broke down the walls of sin – we have access to everlasting life. 3) Way maker – God works things out. He is our peace. We are in His care. The grace of God is a gift, and allows us to be forgiven. We have the Peace of God, the Power of Grace, and the Possibility of Growth. We have everything we need to live the Christian life: Resource, response, reliability. All things are possible with God.

On this day in 1886 Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson was published. In 1914 Industrialist Henry Ford announced his $5 minimum per-day wage, doubled most workers pay. Bonnie Parker met Clyde Barrow in 1903, and in 2007 Bill Cowher resigned as head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Calvin Coolidge – 30th president – died in 1933 at age 60, and in 1939 Amelia Earhart was declared dead after disappearing over the Pacific Ocean (age 41). The Pop forbade Henry VIII to remarry in 1531 (he annulled two marriages and beheaded two wives….). King C Gillette (Razor Blades) was born in 1855, George Reeves (Superman) in 1914, Jane Wyman (first wife of Ronald Reagan) was born in 1917, Chuck Noll in 1932, and Diane Keaton in 1946. And today Loni Smail (former co-worker) and Wayne Robertson (Hempfield classmate and part of my high school youth group) are both celebrating birthdays today. Happy birthday Loni and Wayne!

TOMORROW January 6 is:

• National Bean Day
• National Cuddle Up Day (Uh Oh – would need Sweet Baboo for this, I think!)
• National Shortbread Day
• National Technology Day 

I’m going to store away my Christmas leggings and shirts – another year past! A moment of silence please…. God bless!