Snoopy would have said it was a dark and stormy night – but I’ll say it was a cold and snowy morning! However, it WAS a beautiful snow, and the roads were clear when I left for work.

The painting and trim is all done, except for touchup, and I don’t want to do that until the furniture is back in place and we’ve hung the pictures. Anytime you get me even NEAR a screw driver or a hammer the outcome is not good. I’m sure I will add a few spots to our touch up list by the time I’m done. Nate did a superb job and I’m very excited with the results, and the promise of perfection to come!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill from Sunday – Sanctity of Life. This is a subject that is hard to talk about and even harder to preach about. Life is precious, every life is priceless. God knit us together in our mother’s womb; from the very second of conception we were ‘life’. Unborn babies are not ‘Tissue’ – it’s a baby. Abortion activists want to keep God out of it, but God’s presence is there. If you consider an Eagle’s egg, it’s considered a bird; but an unborn baby is tissue. It’s not tissue, or a possession: It’s a CHILD. We as Christians 1) Must stand for morality 2) help heal broken lives. We are all sinners and are saved by grace. Show love and forgiveness just as Jesus did, and help hurting people find peace and grace and salvation. Respect human life – for the very beginning.

On this day in 1993 Martin Luther King Jr holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time. John Tyler – 10th president – (age 71) died in 1862; Rudyard Kipling (70) died in 1936; he got married on his 26th birthday. Daniel Webster was born in 1782, A A Milne (author of Winnie the Pooh books) was born in 1882. Oliver Hardy (of Laurel and Hardy comedy team) in 1892, Cary Grant in 1904, and Kevin Costner in 1955. My friend Liz is celebrating a birthday today. She worked in my office at Smail Auto, and was young and fun and a great worker! I miss seeing her! Have a great birthday Elizabeth Stape – and many more!

TOMORROW January 19 is:

• World Quark Day
• National Popcorn Day (I LOVE POPCORN!!!- plain, old butter popcorn!!)

Have some popcorn, be thankful for your life, and celebrate the day. God bless!

Today has been about the painting project from start to finish. I did the treadmill, baked the scones, and then helped Nate with a few odds and ends. Put a few things back in the closets after putting shelf paper liners on the shelves. Made tuna casserole for lunch, then cleaned out the CD’s, Cassettes, and Albums. Looking through the vinyls brought back memories. The Beach boys Christmas was the first album I bought with my own money when I was in high school. Ricky Nelson – well, what needs to be said??? And if you look really close on the Osmond Brothers album you can see my name written in pen…

It would take a very trained eye to tell the difference between the new paint color and the previous one. Very close. But everything looks so fresh and crisp. Just a little more to do then we can start putting things back.

I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning today. What did God want the Israelites to do, and why? WHAT: they (and we) are to keep his commandments, protect and live and practice them. Sometimes we are half-hearted in our service to God – Live life with your whole heart. Be strong – put on the armor of God. We have everything we need to live for Christ – God will equip us for every situation. Go in and overcome – take action to overcome. With God’s help you will change the dynamic. God doesn’t MAKE us do things; we CHOOSE. Possess – (Ownership) DO something with it! Include God in your life, use prayer and scripture. Pay attention to details and follow instructions (Bible). WHY?: to give us a full life, so we prosper and have peace and eternal life. Enjoy what he has provided, and the assurance of promises kept. He gives us everything we need to succeed.

On this day in 1773 Captain James Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle. Ben Franklin was born in 1706, Al Capone (Gangster) in 1899, and Betty White in 1922. She has the longest TV Career of a female entertainer to date. Jim Carrey was born in 1962, Michelle Obama in 1964, and Kid Rock in 1971. Rutherford B Hayes – 19th President – died at age 70 in in 1893, Juliette Gordon Low (founder of Girl Scouts) died at age 66 in 1927, and Bobby Fischer died in 2008 at age 64.

TOMORROW January 18 is:

• National Michigan Day (Let’s go – get a VISA from Gov. Wolf and we’re outta here!!!)
• National Peking Duck Day  
• National Thesaurus Day
• National Winnie The Pooh Day (Winnie is such a FUN Pooh!)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

A brand new week ahead of us. Have a great one – and do something nice for someone else! God bless.

It was very cold all day – snowed on and off but just a dusting stuck to surfaces. I opted for the treadmill this morning! Also mixed up a batch of scones and picked up a Jioio’s pizza for lunch. And brought Chrissy over for a while. She was drawing pictures in the snow on the deck, then huddled under her favorite blanket.

Nate started prepping and painting about 10am, and I had to run out and get a few project-related items. I bought a floor lamp, came home and put it all together — got to the LAST PIECE and the threads were stripped and it wouldn’t stand up! BACK to the store, but thankfully they had another one. Put it together and all is very well.

Got the ceiling done, and the closets, some trim — one coat of blue on the walls. Tomorrow is more blue, baseboards, a light above the door, and a smoke detector. THEN the immense task of putting it all back together. A project for sure, but one with wonderful results!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Trust and Faith. When the 12 spies went into Canaan, 10 said IT CAN’T BE DONE! But Caleb and Joshua said WE SHOULD TAKE POSSESSION! GIVE ME THE BALL! Ten thought it was impossible, and because of their lack of faith and trust, God made the the Israelites wander 40 years in the wilderness. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones that lived to see the promise land. Remember this: 1) There are more negative people in the world than positive. 2) Don’t listen to them! Keep getting up, and keep going. Success is determined by your attitude, so keep it positive, and have trust and faith.

On this day in 1870 Virginia was the 8th state readmitted after the Civil War, and in 1918 the 18th Amendment was ratified (Prohibition of alcohol). In 1941 US vice admiral Bellinger warned of an assault on Pearl Harbor.

TOMORROW is January 17 is:

• National Bootlegger’s Day
• National Hot Buttered Rum Day

Looks like a great day to grab a drink if you’re into that – I’m decidedly not! I’ll have a hot tea and fresh scones and listen to one of my seven ‘guys’! Have a great Lord’s day, as my mom would always say! God bless…

It was nice to take a walk outside this morning and get some fresh air. I really think the day got colder as it went – and now it’s cloudy and raining.

I got everything done in the Living Room and Hallway that I could. There is a screw stuck in the wall that I can’t budge so Nate will have to finish that one thing. I try to take everything possible out – even the stuff in the closets. Again, my spare rooms are piled high! Hoping I don’t need anything. The only thing in easy reach is the antibiotic cream and the bandaids – just in case!!! And the mop….

I will share Kyle’s message from January 3rd – I missed posting it. What are our expectations in 2021? Will it be better? Life always changes. So make a goal and work toward it with a POSITIVE attitude. What standard are you using to set your goal? If it’s Godly, you have a better chance of achieving it. Set yourself apart spiritually. There were 400 years of silence between the last chapter of the Old Testament and the book of Matthew. Something important and holy takes place when we wait. FAITH is waiting! Can you meet the goals you set? Trust God to meet them, and wait on the Lord, but be busy while you wait.

On this day in 1535 Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England. In 1895 Tchaikovsky’s ballet SWAN LAKE premiered. And in 2009 Chesley Sullenberger landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. All passengers and crew members survived in what became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”. Joan of Arc was born in 1412, and Lloyd Bridges in 1913 – I loved SEA HUNT!!! (And his sons Beau and Jeff are super cute). Martin Luther King Jr was born in 1929, and Charo in 1951.

TOMORROW January 16 is:

• National Fig Newton Day (Um, No. I’ll pass…)
• National Nothing Day
• National Religious Freedom Day
• National Without a Scalpel Day
• National Use Your Gift Card Day 

I can easily celebrate nothing, and religious freedom, and I can use my gift card. But not sure about the scalpel thing! I’ll spend tomorrow engrossed in my painting project. Have a happy Saturday! God bless…

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