I heard on Y108 this morning that we will not see the sunshine all week! We will be desperate by the weekend! Guess we’ll have to make our own sunshine.

Worked all morning at the Pinnacles, stopped at Aldi’s, then had a well visit at the doctor’s. All is well! Since I feel inspired to be organized, I cleaned out my sewing basket. Much neater! Also sorted out last year’s bills and receipts and pulled out what I will need for taxes – made new folders for 2021. Still have a bit of ironing to do but it won’t be much.

My friend Diane sent me a picture of her daughter Shannon’s unicorn-decorated window at Christmas. She did a great job. She loves unicorns! Very bright and festive.

Patty and Snoopy seem to have it going on – and yes, friends are the icing on the cake of life!

Today I will share two of Greg’s messages from Vanderbilt. December 27th’s was Peace on Earth. Right now, there isn’t any – there is fighting and wars around us, and wars within ourselves. BUT – we are not done learning and growing. We cannot save ourselves – Christ died for all of us so we can become one with God. We still battle with sin, but we are covered. We are showered with God’s peace. All we have to do is claim it – he’s already given it to us!

January 3rd message: The world/society doesn’t take heaven and hell seriously. They laugh about it, and ignore the seriousness. Demons are real. They gain access to us by 1) temptation, 2) oppression, 3) satanic influence, 4) possession. We fight this by scripture, praise and prayer. Be strong in the Lord; put on the whole armor of God. WAKE UP! TAKE UP (your equipment)! PRAY UP! REDD UP (Clean it up)! We must be alert and pay attention. If you had a bottle of water and a bottle of sewage waste, would you even want to put one drop of sewage into your drinking water? That’s what you are doing when you let sin and Satan in, even if you think it’s ‘harmless’. Are you CRAZY? God, create in me a clean heart….

On this day in 1847 Samuel Colt sold his first revolver pistol to the US Government, and in 1954 Elvis Presley recorded his first demo for Sun Records. Jacob Grimm (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) was born in 1785, and in 1809 Louis Braille (invented the system of reading and writing for the blind) was born. Isaac Pitman was born in 1813 – he invented the stenographic shorthand method. I have this guy to thank for most of my professional career! In 1821 Elizabeth Ann Seton died at age 46 – Seton Hill University was named in her honor. T S Eliot died at age 76 in 1965.

TOMORROW January 5 is:

• National Bird Day
• National Keto Day
• National Screenwriters Day
• National Whipped Cream Day

Make time for what is truly important to you: call, write, email, txt – whatever it takes to let your friends know they are important in your life! God bless…

FINALLY the house is back to order and as clean as it can be! All the stuff for Goodwill is shoved in my trunk and I plan to take it over tomorrow after work. I rearranged items on the new bookcase several times, and right now I am satisfied! Also moved a few little stands and tables around just for a change. I was on my feet all day, but being busy felt so good! A very satisfying day.

And yesterday when I made my quick trip to Walmart for a few necessary items (it wasn’t crowded) I found my Peanuts wall calendar! So now all is well in the Peanuts department!

Today I will share Bram’s messages – last week and this week. Last week was ‘working on our salvation.’ We need to remember that our vision is not always the same as God’s. He has a plan, and we need to do His will, accomplish our goal and bring it to completion. We are urged by the Holy Spirit to seek salvation, to study and grow in God so we won’t disappoint him. Believe not just ABOUT Him but IN him. The road is narrow; stay alert and in your own lane; don’t drift off!

This week was about the wise men seeking Jesus. They were outside of religion, looking for a king. When they couldn’t find him on their own, they called a meeting with King Herod’s scholars! The Bible offers all we need and we should look there for answers. Once the wise men found Jesus, they completed their journey by going home a different way. Once we have found Jesus, we also need to go a different way! If you focus on Jesus, the things of earth grow dim and His light will change us! So follow the light.

On this day in 1521 Martin Luther was excommunicated by the Pope for starting the protestant reformation, and in 1777 General George Washington defeated the British at Princeton. Construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1870 (completed in 1883!), and in 1938 the March of Dimes was established to fight polio. In 1987 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the first female, Aretha Franklin. J R R Tolkien was born in 1892, Victor Borge in 1909, and Mel Gibson in1956.

TOMORROW January 4 is:

• National Missouri Day
• National Spaghetti Day
• National Trivia Day
• National Thank God It’s Monday Day

Just remember that tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it! Enjoy! God bless.

This will be a little different – not going to do anything today but clean this dirty house and have Nate build my bookcase and stack boxes, so I though I would review —- (Are you READY???) the Hallmark Christmas movies! Haha. I did NOT watch all of them – some not at all and some not in their entirety, but here are my favorites, with a few disappointments.

HMM movies has a shorter list. I liked Christmas Tree Lane with Alicia Witt. The biggest reason was when I found out that she wrote the show, directed, wrote two original scores which she sang/performed. And it was based on personal experience. So it got my vote. I mildly liked the third Godwink (First Love, Second Chances) – mainly because of it being based on a true story. That fascinates me, seeing the ‘real’ people at the end of the movie. I enjoyed the Christmas Charm movie too, as it had some mystery and was a little different.

Hallmark had several I liked. My top two favorites were Timeless Christmas (I read the book 3 years ago and loved it, and it was pretty close) and the Christmas Waltz (knowing what a talented and amazing dancer Will Kemp is and that Lacey Chabert had to learn all those steps!). Next was Christmas by Starlight – it starred Kimberly Susted and Paul Campbell, my two favorites! They have been in several movies together and really have a chemistry that comes through in their performances! Other ones I enjoyed were Christmas She Wrote; Love, Lights, and Hanukkah; and Cross Country Christmas. I 100% disliked Christmas Carousel! I didn’t at all like Neal Bledsoe’s performance and the whole preface of the movie fell far from the mark. I enjoyed several others, disliked several, and a few grew on me.

So that’s my wrap-up, and of course you can catch these and other Christmas movies on Thursdays at 8pm on HMM channel and Fridays at 8pm on Hallmark. In the meantime, I think the channels are back to normal broadcasting, and we have 10 months of anticipation to see what 2021 will bring!

I am sort of behind on my ‘guys’ – I listened to 6 Christmas Eve messages as well as the Sunday sermons, and can’t get them all posted. I will give a quick synopsis of Steve’s message from Maplewood – just the impressive end. Don’t live in the IF ONLY! Anna & Simeon were blessed at the VERY END of their lives! We are never too old or weak or sick to share Christ. We are promised to see God’s face — but we must wait! Life hasn’t passed us by. He’s still at work, and He has a gift for us. Not gloom and doom – it’s hope! Forget the past and press on to the prize! Wait on the Lord – he will renew our strength. It’s OK to wait – and we aren’t TOO OLD!!! (I needed to hear that!!! – Thanks Steve!!)

On this day in 1570 Ivan the Terrible’s march began, and in 1839 Louis Daguerre took the first photo of the moon. President Richard Nixon (37th) imposed the 55 MPH Speed Limit in 1974. Roger Miller (country singer) was born in 1936, and Jim Bakker (yikes!) was born in 1939. Confederate General James Longstreet died in 1904 at age 82.

TOMORROW January 3 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day (Used to be Mom’s favorite!!!)
• National Drinking Straw Day (Can’t believe they have their own day!!!)
• National Fruitcake Toss Day (I’d toss it ANY day!!!)

Happy weekend! It’s off to clean I go! Sending hugs and warm wishes, whatever you are doing on this first weekend of 2021! God bless…

It’s going to take me a while to remember to type 2021! First I just want to wish all of you a wonderful year – may it be safe and happy and fun and blessed, and filled with people you love and who appreciate you!

I spent the entire day going through Christmas decoration boxes, organizing and cleaning them out and getting rid of a few things that I didn’t want or were broken. Why do we keep those things? Ugh! It’s nice to have them packed neatly and in an orderly fashion. When I put my day-to-day items back in my rooms, I even got rid of some of that! It’s time for a cleansing! My favorite addition is the deer I brought back from John’s. Reminds me of my story and makes me smile! I did, however, make a total mess while I was working. I feel very grungy…

Charlie Brown had a great idea – but it was cold and raining icy pellets and windy – did a mile on the treadmill and called it done!

I will share Paul’s message from last week – Good things come to those who wait. Simeon and Anna waited their whole lives to see the Messiah – They both were at the temple every day, even in their 80’s. There is no retirement from serving God! What we can learn from their faithful waiting: 1) God has faithful worshipers even in the darkness. 2) The gates of hell will never prevail against God. Simeon and Anna lived lives of fruitfulness and faith as they waited. Simeon immediately thanked God for this amazing blessing. The question is: What are YOU waiting for???

On this day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves in US Confederate states. In 1881 Dr. Watson was introduced to Sherlock Holmes in a story written by Arthur Conan Doyle. Edsel Ford succeeded his father – Henry Ford – as President of Ford Motor Company in 1919, and Johnny Cash played his first free concert behind bars in 1960. In 1976 the Liberty Bell was moved to its new home behind Independence Hall (Philadelphia). Hank Williams died at age 29 in 1953, and Patti Page died in 2013 at age 85. In 1772 Thomas Jefferson married Martha Skelton. Paul Revere was born in 1735, Anthony Wayne in 1745, Betsy Ross in 1752, and J. Edgar Hoover in 1895. And my friend and fellow author Jim Gresham is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday, Jim! Hope your year is wonderful!

TOMORROW January 2 is:

• National Buffet Day
• National Cream Puff Day
• National Personal Trainer Awareness Day
• National Science Fiction Day

Have a great year – keep your eyes on the prize! Philippians 3:13. God bless!!!

After work this afternoon I started dragging boxes off the shelf and going through them thoroughly. I am really tired tonight so I’m just going to share a word from Snoopy’s page-a-day from yesterday, and then Rod’s message from last Sunday.

Rod from Martin’s Ferry talked about the five traits God wanted His son to have. 1) Isaiah 53:2 Not be beautiful or majestic 2) No esteem (often scorned and rejected) 3) He was poor – not wealthy (Matthew 8:20) 4) Matthew 13:55. No rank; his father was a ‘mere’ carpenter 5) Not have an inflated ego – you can’t fill a glass until it is empty. He is our shepherd, and shepherds are seldom held in high esteem. We should be humble (Philippians 2:3) and look to the interest of others. We should examine ourselves – is our primary goal to obtain riches? or impress others? Are we trying to glorify ourselves or Christ? Be like Jesus!

On this day in 1862 President Abraham Lincoln admitted West Virginia to the Union, and in 1946 President Harry Truman officially proclaimed the end of WWII. In 1955 General Motors Corporation became the first US Corporation to make over 1 billion USD in a year. John Denver was born in 1943 (Bud’s favorite singer!). Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirate) died in a plane crash in 1972 at age 38, and in 1985 Ricky Nelson (whose first name was really Eric!), died in a plane crash at age 45. In 2012 Hugh Hefner – age 86 – (Playboy founder) married Crystal Harris, age 26.

TOMORROW January 1 is:

• New Years Day
• National Bloody Mary Day
• National Hangover Day (and you wonder why it’s hangover day…..)

Tomorrow is a brand new year – with tons of potential and no mistakes in it! Keep focused on the good things, and God Bless!!!

I kept busy in a dozen ways today, doing some weekly cleaning then organizing some decorations. I went outside after lunch and took all the lawn ornaments down, and put the deer back in the shed, the big Snoopy back in his storage spot, and changed the lights on the deck railing from Christmas to fading blue-white-blue. It’s a very comforting look!

Got a call from Kelly today – their life is never calm. Matt hurt his wrist over Christmas break playing in the church gym with his twin brother. Nothing new there; they have always caused injury to each other. Two separate X-rays assured them it wasn’t broken, but he will be pretty limited and uncomfortable for a while. Then Peyton had issues and had to have out-patient surgery. He’s fine, with limited restrictions. The first question he asked the doctor was if he could go to his youth group Christmas party tonight! That’s a teenager for you. ** This just in: Peyton went to the party!!! ** But everyone is really ok, just a little off center — and everyone could sure use your support and prayers!

Last night I found a small gift bag in my front door. My dear writer friend Nancy – who is a very prolific crafter! – crocheted me a few scrubbies, and made me a Snoopy Christmas pillow case! I think it is SO perfect – the yellow and green cuff is the perfect match for the material. She is so thoughtful and I appreciate her friendship! We have held each other up in prayer and support for several decades, and I cherish her in my life. Thank you, Nancy!

Today I will share Bram’s Christmas Eve message – Jesus is the Reason for the Season. He told a little story about two women who dressed up to the NINES and went out to eat. Someone asked them what the occasion was, and they said their were celebrating their 2-year-old nephew’s birthday. When asked where the child was, the women explained that it was way too much trouble and a great inconvenience to have him at a restaurant, so they would have a birthday for him when they got home – but not at the party! Do we go through the Christmas season without remembering the one whose birthday we are celebrating? We want to celebrate without the encumbrance and responsibility of honoring Jesus. Christmas is all about God accomplishing the impossible – giving us everlasting life! So celebrate Jesus!

On this day in 1809 wearing masks at balls was forbidden in Boston. I’m sure we wish that were the case today… In 1861 US Banks stopped payments in Gold. Davy Jones (Monkees) was born in 1945 and Tiger Woods in 1975. Saddam Hussein was hanged (age 69) in 2006.

TOMORROW December 31 is:

• National Champagne Day
• No Interruptions Day – Last Work Day of the Year
• Leap Second Time Adjustment Day(Note: This is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments.But, if they do, then it’s done on either June 30 or December 31.)
• Make Up Your Mind Day
• New Years Eve
• Universal Hour of Peace  – Wouldn’t THAT be nice????

So tomorrow is the last day of 2020. A lot to celebrate – if next year does indeed turn out to be better! Have a great day! God bless – – –

Today is my lovely sister Kathy’s birthday! I love being able to celebrate her and her life. She is the most giving, loving, faithful person I know! She has sought and followed God’s plan for her life from the time she was very small — except maybe when she wrote in my Golden Books with crayon… Kidding! She has kept me going when I am weary or worried, and helped me fly and kept me grounded. We have so much fun! I love going on vacations with her – to Williamsburg VA and New York and to Boston and Philadelphia and Newport and Plymouth – and even Smicksburg and Albion and Sight and Sound and Camp and ….!

Even through this past year – when EVERYTHING has been hard! – we have managed to have safe adventures and hold each other up! And today I was able to help her celebrate just a little, by having Susie Squirrel add to the festivities! Susie WAS going to have a party – but alas. Restrictions…. Never fear, next year is almost here! We will have a big party as soon as we can!

I spent the afternoon and early evening doing household chores. Bunch of little things in the kitchen (not my favorite place…) – mixed up more icing for the scones (purple!!), Cinnamon and sugar for on toast, boiled some potatoes that were peeled and not used on the weekend, and mixed up a turkey pot pie. Then I organized the containers in the garage that held gift bags and boxes, wrapping paper and tags, paper plates and napkins and cups, and my extra supply of ziplock bags and Saran wrap. It was a profitable day! Next chore is to iron…

Autmn txt me that they are home. I can’t wait to hear all about her Christmas and her adventures in Florida. She shared a view photos with me – here are some of them! They had fun!

I will share Steve from Maplewood’s Christmas message today about prophecies. The promise of a savior was given in the best of times – but it was 1000 years before Gabriel visited Mary. The Fulfillment of the promise came in the worst of times. Like David wanting to build the temple – God told him it was not his mission – that his son would build God a house. God took care of David and David had in mind to take care of God! But that wasn’t the plan. David was promised that an offspring would ALWAYS be on the throne – even though there were years when there was no king at all. What we are looking for may not be what God has planned – we need to focus our Hope on God’s gift – and that he always keeps his promises!

On this day in 1835 Treaty of New Echota was signed between the US government and representatives of a minority Cherokee political faction to cede all lands of the Cherokee east of the Mississippi River to the United States. In 1845 Texas was admitted as 28th state of the Union, and in 1862 the bowling ball was invented. In 1972 Life magazine ceased publication. In addition to my sister’s birthday, our 17th President Andrew Johnson was born in 1808, Mary Tyler Moore in 1936, and Thomas Becket (Archbishop of Canterbury) died in 1170 at age 52. Also, my friend Cristy Folino Herman is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Cristy! And YESTERDAY one of the Skunk Hollow girls – Connie Cribbs McLean – celebrated her birthday. Happy, happy belated birthday to our dear Connie! Have a great year!

TOMORROW December 30 is:

• National Bicarbonate of Soda Day (I guess if you eat too much Bacon you will need Bicarbonate of Soda…)
• Falling Needles Family Fest Day
• Bacon Day – YUM!!

Here’s hoping that my sister had the best day ever – and knows how much she is cherished, loved, respected and valued! God Bless…

Happy birthday Sarah! I know you aren’t feeling your best, but I hope your day could be lovely and blessed! I love seeing you grow and bloom and be a wonderful mother, wife, and daughter — PERSON! Blessings to you, dear niece, and may your days be filled with love and peace always! Love you!

I was walking around tonight looking at a few of the things I will miss when I put them away. Alas….

Micah’s message from Old Mahoning was part one of two: Tale of two sons, and this one about John the Baptist. When Zachariah wrote ‘His name is John’ on the tablet, I wonder how many people wondered ‘What child is this?’ Three points: His parents – obeyed the law and were devote Jews and upright people, determined to be wonderful parents for this gift from God. The Plan – The angel revealed it to Zachariah, explaining how John would be raised and what his purpose was, and what his name would be. The Productivity – He was a prophet of Jesus, forerunner of the Lord, prepared the way of the Lord, and prepared himself for his journey. Never swayed from his purpose his whole life. He was only 3 months older than Jesus! We need to prepare ourselves for our journey – ask God to show us His will, and he will guide and direct us.

On this day in 1832 John Calhoon was the first Vice President to resign – differences with President Jackson. In 1860 Harriet Tubman arrived in Auburn, New York, on her last mission to free slaves, having evaded capture for 8 years on the Underground Railroad. In 1934 Film “Bright Eyes” premiered starring Shirley Temple and featuring the song “On the Good Ship Lollipop”. In addition to my niece Sarah, Woodrow Wilson, our 28th President was born in 1856, and in 1942 Actress Janet Leigh (14) divorced childhood sweetheart John Kenneth Carlisle (18) 4 months after getting married.

TOMORROW December 29 is:

• National Hero Day
• National Pepper Pot Day
• Tick Tock Day
• Love your sister who has a birthday on December 29th Day! (I added this one myself….)

Sarah hope your day was great! Hope to see you soon! We need to all have a great day with a great attitude! God bless . . .

It warmed up quickly today. After my treadmill and breakfast, I cleaned off the driveway, sidewalk and decks. Took a quick shower and dressed in Christmas leggings (a few more days!), then made a trip to Walmart for a few things. I had a few small projects to do at home, then turned on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel and have had the Godwink series on all afternoon – all three movies in a row! The first one is my favorite, partially because I really like Paul Campbell!! And Kimberly Susted!! (Third one not on DVD yet – First Love, Second Chances)

As I walk through my house and look at the lights and decorations, I know they are at their end. Within the week I will start taking everything down and packing it away until next November. This year I hope to be more organized when packing. In fact, I think I’ll get my elves on that…

I will share Paul’s Christmas Eve message – Something Supernatural, Unexpected! Jesus was born to exist eternally. He gave it all up to come as a human, set aside his heavenly existence to come to earth. Jesus was with God in the beginning, was born to be our sacrifice, then returned to His heavenly throne until He returns for us. Come and honor and worship! Jesus came to give us all a way back to God. We are blessed as we walk with Jesus every single day!

On this day in 1937 Mae West performed an Adam & Eve skit that got her banned from NBC radio. Louis Pasteur – invented pasteurization (ever wonder where that name came from???) – was born in 1822. Stephen Fuller Austen – founder of the state of Texas – died in 1836 at age 43, Norman Schwarzkoph died at age 78 in 2012, and Carrie Fisher – Princess Leia – died at age 60 in 2016.

TOMORROW December 28 is:

• National Short Film Day
• National Chocolate Candy Day – I’m all for it!!! I’ll start now!!)
• National Card Playing Day (Kath – make sure Paul knows this!!!)
• Holy Innocents Day
• Pledge of Allegiance Day

Tomorrow is back to work, back to reality! Have a great ‘last week’ of 2020! God bless – – –

Today was a great day to stay in and stay warm! The ‘feels like’ temp was 3* and there was a layer of ice under the snow on my driveway. I did my treadmill, changed bed sheets, did laundry, made lunch, did dishes, listened to 4 Christmas eve messages, and have the Hallmark movies playing in the background as I type.

Kelly brought me the zippered hoodie I ordered from her, and I love it! She is figuring out the cost, and if any Skunk Hollow cousins would like to purchase one we will let you know cost and details.

I will share Hempfield’s Christmas Eve service. I really enjoyed every message I listened to, but I think this was my favorite because it was so different. Not only different from everyone else’s but also different than what Hempfield generally does. I wholeheartedly encourage you to listen/watch. You can search Hempfield Church of Christ (Hugh Black Road Greensburg) on facebook.

Mary & Joseph were shocked to see the shepherds and to hear their story. Souls were changed. Would we have asked ‘What child is this?’ when we saw the baby? The kings would have given us this advise: Keep your ears open and your mouth closed. They did not stumble upon the child; they were searching for a needle in a haystack and followed a star that GOD moved. The corrupt king did not want to worship; he wanted to defend his throne. The king felt the child was a threat – and he was, to those who were evil. The Kings searched to no avail, but in an instant there it was: mother, father, Child, star! It was all right there. It was no ordinary child. Mary watched her son grow to fulfill God’s plan. Jesus came to bring light into our dark and evil world, to bring grace & truth (blessings we don’t deserve and haven’t earned), to seek and save the lost. He was fitted to save the lost, to save us from our sin. Not just one race or faith or nation. ALL of us. We have a hope and a savior.

All of this was shared through scripture, special songs, videos (which were very inspiring and well done). Anaya sang a solo (nearer the end), and Jessica and Ian Kintigh danced to “First Christmas” – I think that was one of my favorite parts. I am in awe of Jessica and blown away by Ian’s participation! It’s near the beginning so check it out! I regret that I didn’t watch it until today!

On this day in 1924 Judy Garland, 2 1/2, made her debut in show business billed as Baby Frances. In 1951 the African Queen, starring Humphry Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was released. Harry Truman (33rd president) died at age 88 in 1972, Jack Benny at age 80 in 1974, and Gerald Ford – 38th president – (age 93) in 2006. Steve Allen was born in 1921. Ron’s aunt, Darlene Robinson (better known as Auntie D!!!) is celebrating a birthday today! Auntie D is so fun, has a great sense of humor and love of food, especially Lapp’s market and New City Buffet, and has the kindest heart and giving spirit. Wishing you the best of days and a wonderful 2021. Can’t wait until we can actually visit! Love you!

TOMORROW December 27 is:

• National Fruitcake Day (Think I’ll pass on this one….)

We are winding down 2020, so if there was something you wanted to do this year, get moving on it! Have a wonderful ‘last week’ – God bless!