What a lovely day with family! I am so blessed! We had far too much food, love in excess, just the right amount of gifts, and tons of fun together. I was concerned about the kids driving home – although Nate only had a few miles – and it took Kelly’s family an hour and a half to get home. Roads were horrid but they were carried on the wings of our prayers and made it home safely! Everyone seemed very pleased with their gifts, and one of my biggest surprises was the Peanuts suitcase that Hanchers bought me! Did not see THAT coming! But all the gifts were perfect and delightful and I am thrilled with each one.

Autmn sent me photos of the little piles of gifts that Santa left around the room for all of them. It seems like they had a great time together! Haven’t heard what was in any of them yet.

Although the day was fun and perfect, I’m going to make it short tonight. I will let Charlie Brown share his words of wisdom for your motivation and inspiration – Jesus Christ was born today, to die for US, and his birth was heralded by the angels with the message of peace!

On this day in 352 it was the first definite date that Christmas was celebrated on December 25th. George Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised/defeated 1400 Hessians in 1776. In 1896 STARS & STRIPES FOREVER was written by John Philip Sousa, and in 1938 Vivien Leigh was chosen to play Scarlett O’Hara in GONE WITH THE WIND. Perfect choice! To Kill A Mockingbird was released in 1962, and THE STING premiered in 1973. Jesus was born in — 0? Not sure how that works! In 1642 Isaac Newton was born, Clara Barton in 1821 and Humphrey Bogart in 1899. Barbara Mandrell in 1948 and Sissy Spacek in 1949. Charlie Chaplin died at age 88 in 1977 and Dean Martin in 1995 at age 78.

TOMORROW December 26 is

• National Candy Cane Day
• National Thank-you Note Day
• National Whiner’s Day (** Because they didn’t like their gifts????)
• Boxing Day 

I am so blessed and thankful for the wonderful day, and for my healthy family and so many friends that have kept in touch. God bless you all – and may 2021 bring us together! God bless —

It was pouring rain this morning, so did my treadmill then started my day. Had a video chat with Mom, but she was fresh out of bed and didn’t really want to open her eyes! But she looked good, and I was told they were waiting for Santa to visit. I jumped right in with my day, and started cooking and prepping for tonight and tomorrow. I pealed 20 pounds of potatoes for one dish or another! I have done everything that I can do ahead of time; the rest will happen tomorrow. Linus is practicing his lines – but Snoopy is slow to respond 🙂 All’s well that ends well as I am hoping for tomorrow’s meal!

Had a quick ‘distanced’ visit with a long time friend who came bearing a small gift. It’s nice to be remembered! Chrissy was listening to a YouTube video about people using so many coupons that their total order was a few dollars or even free. The lady was at the store for 10 hours! Wow. I could not be that intense. And just sharing my little poinsettia flowers with lights!

Rod’s message this week focused on dedicating their new building, and he talked about focusing on the new year coming. Blessed is the man who trusts the Lord. He had a quote: If we would just recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier! We often say ‘why would God let this happen?’ Where will you turn for help? The WHY doesn’t matter – it doesn’t change anything. WHERE you turn for help changes everything. Look to God. We often turn to our own devices but we should desire to do what God directs, and what he’s written on our heart. If you look at scripture, David saw a vision; Mary saw an angel, but Jesus saw us. “Here I am, Lord – use me.”

Autmn sent me a few pics from Florida – they are having a good time!

On this day in 1877 Thomas Edison filed a patent for the phonograph – and thank heavens, or I wouldn’t have been able to listen to the Beach Boys in high school!!! In 1895 George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore Estate – the largest privately owned house in America in Asheville NC (178,926 square feet). Kit Carson (Indian fighter and army officer) was born in 1809, Howard Hughes in 1905, Ava Gardner in 1922, and Anthony Fauci (now a household word!) in 1940. In 1990 Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were married.

TOMORROW December 25 is:

• National Pumpkin Pie Day
• A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day
• Christmas

Merry Christmas! May you remember the reason for the season, and keep Christmas in your heart and honor it all the year! God bless!

It turned out to be a balmy sunny day but I opted to start the day on the treadmill. I worked at cleaning the whole house, which was finished by 3pm. April txt me and said she left a gift on my porch! I so regret not being able to see her and hug her and chat for hours – alas, restrictions prohibit that. But she left a very thoughtful, lovely gift: A little metal silhouette of a nativity, and a Thomas Kinkade garden calendar! Couldn’t be more perfect. And I can’t wait to actually see her and catch up!

My sister had a set of lights go out on her banister, so I took my extra ones over to her. I said I’d set them on the porch – when I got there she had a little gift bag sitting out for me! She was excited to get her lights and fix the banister, and I also left her a little surprise! It was fun playing elf! And I almost forgot about my Christmas lights phone charger! I pulled it out of the drawer and plugged in my phone. Just a little more ‘festive’ to add to the already festive festive!

Chrissy walked over to spend the night and help me cook tomorrow. Lots to do so I’m glad for the help and the company.

I’ll share Mike’s message from Hempfield, about Simeon. God promised him that he would see the Messiah – to see salvation. Mary and Joseph were good parents, and followed the law, and adhered to the three ceremonies required. So they took Jesus to the temple as required by law, and Simeon was waiting. He was led by the spirit to be at the temple that day, and his promise was fulfilled. He then said he was ready to be called home. Are we? Do we fear death or are we ready? Do we hold too tightly to life? Death is NOT the end – it’s the beginning of real life. ALL people can receive the gift of light, of salvation. Live your life to be ready for the second advent of Jesus!

On this day in 1779 Benedict Arnold was court-martialed for improper conduct, and in 1783 George Washington resigned his military commission as commander in chief of the Army. In 1930 Bette Davis arrived in Hollywood under contract to Universal Studios, and in 1938, Margaret Hamilton’s costume caught fire during the filming of the Wizard of Oz. In 2000 Victor Borge died at age 91 – he was so funny and a very talented pianist. My dad used to laugh and laugh while watching him! Great memories! In 1997 Woody Allen, age 62, married Soon-Yi Previr, age 27, who was the adopted daughter of Mia Farrow. Susan Lucci (All my Children) was born in 1946, and today is my cousin Terry’s birthday. She has lived in Arizona most of our lives, but in our early years we spent tons of time together, playing and laughing, and pretending to be brides! Such sweet times we had! Happy birthday, Terry!

TOMORROW December 24 is:

• National Eggnog Day
• Christmas Eve
• National Re-Gifting Day 

So, tomorrow night, jump in bed and cover your head – say your prayers and remember the Reason for the Season! God bless…

Started the morning at Walmart with Kath at 6am; then a mile on the treadmill before work. Barry at the Jeannette store (and his wife Pam) gave me 2 Snoopy glasses and the cutest card! Thank you! Joe at Greensburg bought lunch for the staff, and also shared a very special ‘card’ – thanks, Joe! And also, thanks for the yummy lunch from Bubba’s.

I got tired of Hallmark movies (no, really!) so I watched the old version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Autmn, on her way to Florida with her mom/family, sent me photos going into North Carolina. Sending prayers for a safe trip and lots of fun in the sun! Miss you, sweetie!

Today I will share Bram’s message of peace. Joy should be for all people, as the angel said to the shepherds: I bring you the most joyful news, and it’s for EVERYONE! The shepherds were common folks, living in the fields with smelly sheep, alone and cold and dark and away from everyone. SUDDENLY — ANGELS! Good news, great joy. It’s a message for each of us. Their message really was FEAR NOT. We live in an age of anxiety, so many fears. We need to remember that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God; Jesus has brought us eternal joy. Sometimes we can’t tell the difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is temporary, but joy is eternal. Jesus is our gift; thanks be to God!

On this day in 1877 Thomas Edison’s phonograph was announced by Scientific America, and in 1882 the first string of Christmas lights was created by Thomas Edison. He’s my hero! What would Christmas be with LIGHTS?? In 1932 “The Mummy” directed by Karl Freund and starring Boris Karloff was released in the US – 1st Mummy horror film. In 1967 The Graduate was released. Maurice and Robin Gibb (Bee Gees) were born in 1949. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) died on her 61st birthday in 1880, and Beatrix Potter (Tale of Peter Rabbit) died at age 77 in 1943.

TOMORROW December 23 is:

• National Pfeffernusse Day (It’s a spicy cookie)
• National Roots Day
• Festivus (Check out the Seinfeld episode)

Two more days! Eat a Pfeffernusse, do something nice for someone, and pray for the family that we won’t see over Christmas. God bless — love to all…

I was just star-gazing, and I think it’s too cloudy to see anything. Maybe someone else caught it and posted it on facebook and I can see it. What an amazing thought! The Christmas Star!

Work was light today but still a little that needed done. Stopped to help Mike (and Tina), and they gave me a framed copy of a newspaper add from September of 1969. Mike and I both worked there, and so did Stoney. What an amazing memory, and the kids will like seeing their dad on there! When I got home I decided that it was Grilled Cheese o’clock! Yum! After I started laundry I bundled up in multiple layers and washed the car. It was really road-dirty.

I watched the video presented by Old Mahoning church. The kids had a nativity play, complete with a really ‘rockin’ Mary (she rocked the whole time in her rocking chair! It was too cute!), angels, inn keeper, wise men … Micah had a short message about ‘It’s a Boy!’ Mostly we can find out if the expected baby is a boy or girl, but 2000 years ago no one knew ahead of time – except by angelic or prophetic intervention. Jesus was prophesied 400 years before he was born! He is the promised one, the Lamb of God. Eternal life through Jesus is God’s gift. As in any gift we may receive in the next few days, we have to decide if we will open it and what we will do with it. Jesus is our gift, our salvation. Will you use it? Claim it? Emanuel – God with us!

On this day in 1864 General Sherman conquered Savannah, and in 1898 Pierre & Marie Curie discovered radium. In 1914 the 1st feature-length silent film comedy “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” released starring Marie Dressler, Mabel Normand and Charlie Chaplin. In 1933 Fox films signed Shirley Temple, age 5, to a studio contract, and in 1937 the first full-length animated feature film and the earliest in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, premiered. In 1970 Elvis Presley met US President Richard Nixon in the White House – the image of this meeting is the most requested photo from the entire National Archives.

Jane Fonda was born in 1937, and married Ted Turner on this date in 1991. F. Scott Fitzgerald died in 1940 at age 44 of a heart attack, and in 2014 Elton John married David Furnish – think I’ll leave that one alone…. 🙂 Love!!!

TOMORROW December 22 is:

• National Date Nut Bread Day (I’m done baking – it’s someone else’s turn!!!)

Four more days! If you have little ones, they are probably beyond excited! I love the WHOLE MONTH: Music, lights, tinsel, trees, dishes, food, friends (socially distanced, of course!). Rejoice! God bless . . .

This morning my outside walk was postponed until after I mixed up the dough for 5 loaves of homemade bread – Grama Crooks’ recipe. I do this for every holiday and my family expects it! And a slice fresh out of the oven will be my supper!

When I did take my walk, I saw the strangest thing. I believe I have seen our first Christmas Tree fatality of the season. Surely it’s too soon for a discarded Christmas Tree, but alas! Whatever could it mean? I almost felt like knocking on the door and asking WHY??? Their house on the outside was very much decorated, and I know there are young children in the house. Very sad, and unexplained…

I listened to several messages this morning but will share Paul’s from River Hill. It was about heavenly excitement. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to certain shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of the Christ child. 1) – The shepherds were open to the good news – people in ‘charge’ weren’t ready for Jesus, or to accept his arrival. 2) All heaven was excited – for SUDDENLY there was a host of angels singing! Just like they couldn’t help themselves and wanted to join the celebration – possibly not even planned! 3) Excitement was contagious. The shepherds RAN into the city and told the good news to everyone. WE need to be excited, too, and share Jesus. This is God’s best gift – at Christmas or any time! JOY to the WORLD!

On this day in 1812 Rumpelstiltskin was published, written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. In 1920 Bob Hope became an American Citizen, having been born in London England in 1903. It’s a Wonderful Life premiered in NY in 1946, and Harvey in 1950 (both starred Jimmy Stewart, an Indiana, PA native!). In 1957 Elvis Presley received his draft notice – (Dear 53310761! Does anyone else know what that is???). In 2007 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the oldest ever monarch of the United Kingdom, surpassing Queen Victoria, who lived for 81 years, 7 months and 29 days. Harvey Firestone (Firestone Tire & Rubber, where the rubber hits the road!) was born in 1868; Sacagawea died at age 24 in 1812, John Steinbeck in 1968 at age 66, and Walt Disney’s brother Roy in 1971 at age 78. Bobby Darin died in 1973 at age 37 from a heart attack, and in 1993 Donald Trump married Marla Maples. Renee Zellweger had her marriage to Kenny Chesney annulled after 4 months in 2005.

TOMORROW December 21 is:

• Crossword Puzzle Day
• Humbug Day (Related to Ebenezer Scrooge???)
• National Maine Day
• Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day
• Winter Solstice –
• National Flashlight Day – Day of Winter Solstice
• National French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day –
• Yule –
• Anne & Samantha Day

I’m going to sign off and go listen to Patty Buschek in concert. Have a great week! God Bless….

Early rise this morning, changed bedsheets and then made a quick run out for a few things needed to bake cookies. Autmn’s cookies for her Florida trip are done and packed in containers for her journey. Then I decided to make Russian Tea Cakes, which I haven’t made in at least a decade! They really turned out better than I thought they would. The freezer is now full and I can’t even fit an ice cube in there!

I went back over to pick Autmn up in Scottdale, and the bright sun on the snow glistened like jewels. What wonderful views off in the distance. Her friend has different types of animals running around. The goats were tucked away, but the rooster and the turkey were eyeing me up!

Today I am sharing Bram’s message from First Baptist – 3rd Sunday of Advent: Love: Unwrapping Christmas. The message of Christmas lasts all year long. Don’t just think about Jesus at Christmas. The more we unwrap God’s gift the more we understand the redemptive nature of the event. We know this baby was the Son of God who gave his life for sinful mankind. People did not recognize the uniqueness of Jesus’ birth. God is not a tyrant; Jesus is not trying to deceive us. Don’t respond to this gift out of fear, but out of faith. The greatest message in the Christmas story is DON’T BE AFRAID. Unwrapping God’s Christmas gift will reveal this child who will bring salvation to all who believe. From the manger to the cross: God with us. His love is greater than we can ever know.

On this day in 1732 Ben Franklin began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanac. In 1776 Thomas Paine published his 1st “American Crisis” essay beginning “These are the times that try men’s souls”.   In 1843 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published, and in 1941 Adolf Hitler took command of the German Army. In 1998 US House of Representatives votes to impeach President Bill Clinton, forwarding the articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial. Alyssa Milano was born in 1972, and Emily Bronte died at age 30 from tuberculosis in 1848. In1995 Queen Elizabeth asks Prince Charles and Princess Diana to divorce.

TOMORROW December 20 is:

• National Sangria Day
• Mudd Day

Tomorrow is also the day that Patty Buschek will give an online piano and vocal concert at 3pm. It will be one of the highlights of my holiday season and I can’t wait. Find some joy in your world, and enjoy this last week before Christmas! God bless…

This has been a good – but busy – day! We left for Smicksburg about 9am – Kath and Deb and I. Sad to say a lot of the shops are closing, decreasing inventory, or having limited hours. Our first stop was Donna’s Country store, and we got the double dipped chocolate covered peanuts that we wanted and a few other things. She always has a few trees up in her shop. When we crossed the street to the next place we met a buggy coming up main street.

Once we got back home, I took Autmn to her friend’s in Scottdale. It’s such a lovely, back-country roads drive. Now that I know the way and am not afraid of getting lost in the middle of nowhere, I enjoy going. Came home and did two loads of laundry, mixed up scones to ‘rest’ overnight and bake in the morning, then did cinnamon rolls. I will ice those in the morning. I’ll grab a light supper and be done!

I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield about Zacchaeus. We might not consider Zacchaeus a Christmas message, but Jesus did come to seek and save the lost, and Zacchaeus was definitely in need of saving! 1) He was a sinner – morally, intellectually, and socially lost. 2) He was a seeker; wanted to see who Jesus was, so was aware of Him. He was continually seeking, not just once. He didn’t let anything stand in his way! 3) He was sought. Jesus sought Zacchaeus and called him by name. God calls sinners to come home… even though none of us deserve that. Jesus seeks us! Zacchaeus repented and received grace and truth. 4) He is saved. We are all called to repentance, but how do we respond? Christianity changes us to our core. If he’s not Lord of all, he’s not Lord AT all. Zacchaeus went from being a ‘getter’ to a giver. Jesus uses US to seek others and lead them to Him. Jesus came to seek and to save. That’s why he was born.

On this day in 1799 George Washington’s body was interred at Mt. Vernon, and in 1963 The Pink Panther premiered (totally funny movie!). Dr Seuss’s HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS first aired on CBS in 1996. YOU’VE GOT MAIL premiered in 1998 (I love that movie!) Steven Spielberg was born in 1946, Brad Pitt in 1963, and Christina Aguilera in 1980. Zsa Zsa Gabor died at age 99 in 2016.

TOMORROW December 19 is:

• National Hard Candy Day
• National Oatmeal Muffin Day
• National Wreaths Across America Day – 

Countdown: Less than a week before Christmas! Hope you have the important things done! Have a great weekend. God bless…

Got up this morning to a PILE of snow – everywhere! I was just finishing a quick breakfast when Diane txt and said she’d come over and help. Never turn down the offer of strong arms and a friendly helper! We got most of it done – I finished the little parking space later. Made a quick trip out to put gas in the car, then went to Kathy’s to make cookies. We both did double batches and enjoyed spending the time together.

Combined with less sleep two nights in a row, shoveling heavy snow, and baking cookies, I am glad to be done! I came home and swiffered the floors (tramping in and out with wet snowboots did a number on them!), and now I am finishing this last task before making some dinner.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry. The first Noel – God said, ‘Today you have become my Son’. The one who MADE the universe had become the Son of God. Before, God had used the prophets to speak to his people; now he would use his Son. When the time was exactly right, God stepped down! Hold to the faith – Jesus is Lord! Don’t ever let go of this – approach the throne with boldness and confidence — you will find mercy! God sent his Son- he is our salvation.

On this day in1903 The Wright brothers made the 1st sustained motorized aircraft flight at 10:35 AM, piloted by Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1989 “The Simpsons” created by Matt Groening, premiered on Fox TV as a full animated series with the episode, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”. And in 2017 “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” toke more than $450m worldwide in its opening weekend, 2nd largest opening in North America ($220m). Penny Marshall (Laverne and Shirley) died at age 75 in 2018, and my cousin Perry is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday, Perry! Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a very happy year!

TOMORROW December 18 is:

• National Twin Day
• National Roast Suckling Pig Day
• Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (I hope TONS of people do that!)
• National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• Underdog Day– Wonder if this is Underdog the movie! It is so totally fun!

One week until Christmas. Do something fun – enjoy every second, embrace the joy! Love love love! God bless….

Started the day on the treadmill, then got to work house cleaning. It’s actually so fun cleaning in December, because as I go from room to room and furniture to furniture, I see the lovely pieces that each mean something special to me. Some things I’ve had since I was in high school (antiques!!!) and some newly purchased; some gifts and some homemade and some that just called my name as I walked past, and they ended up in my shopping cart! All of them festive and fun and fabulous!

It started to snow, right as predicted, at 10am. The flakes were light and small and took a while to accumulate. Then suddenly they were puffy and huge and coming down like blankets. I shoveled the driveway once but when I was done you couldn’t tell. I cleaned everything off, but the poor hungry deer had no grass to munch. Hope they like snow! Chrissy and her friend Hope walked over, and I drove them home. The roads were not cleared and very slippery. Glad it was only 1.27 miles! I will have to shovel again in the morning. No use doing it tonight as it’s to continue snowing. Can’t deny that it’s beautiful!

I don’t mean to be mysterious, but I sort of accidently discovered something last night from a txt message that gave me pause. I felt confused and disappointed and it will undoubtedly take some time to process the information and make friends with my feelings again. It did teach me that I’m stronger than I thought, and I can look forward with a happy outlook no matter what! So that’s something! Just not sure where ‘forward’ will lead!!!

I am sharing Steve’s message from Maplewood: Joy! John was a point of light, and he declared that ‘among you stands one who you do not know.’ No one knew that Jesus was the Son of God; it was not obvious. We are ordinary and do not always recognize the obvious. We need to pray that the holy spirit will open our hearts and mind and thoughts to God. The unknown one says ‘Follow ME’ – we should set about our tasks and it will be revealed to us who he is. We don’t have to be impressive, just humble. Celebrate with JOY!

On this day in 1913 Charlie Chaplin’s film career began at Keystone for $150.00 a week, and in 1946 Christian Dior’s fashion house was founded. Shirley Temple announced her retirement from films in 1950 at age 22. In 2019 Mariah Carey’s single “All I Want For Christmas Is You” reaches No. 1, 25 years after release. Wilhelm Grimm (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) died in 1859 at age 73; Colonel Sanders ( 90) died in 1980. Shirley Temple married Charles Alden Black in 1950 (the day she retired – do you think there might be a connection???), and in 1809 Napoleon Bonaparte divorced Josephine. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 (I’m sure Schroeder is celebrating that today!) and Jane Austen in 1775. Two friend birthdays: Michele Garlits Sterling (we attended Hempfield Church together years ago!), and Natalie Susa (my prayer partner from HCC!). Have a great day ladies! Celebrate with JOY!

TOMORROW December 17 is:

• National Maple Syrup Day
• Wright Brothers Day

Even with the slippery roads and buried lights and covered driveway to shovel, enjoy the beauty of the snow! One of God’s gifts! God bless…