Of course – one month from today is Christmas day but TOMORROW is THANKSGIVING day! Turkey is soaking in cold saltwater in the kitchen sink. Everything is as ready as it can be until the little fellow is stuffed about 3am. We did a little cleaning today and some laundry, but with all four kids here (Autmn, Chrissy, Chase and Logan) it’s a continuous chore to keep up. Logan mentioned wanting to help decorate so I pulled out the big Snoopy, the reindeer, and the projector for the front. Then he decided he’d rather not! I did get it all put out, but the projected isn’t pointed well. It’s raining so I’ll adjust it the next dry night after dark.

Today I will share Paul’s message from River hill. Thanksgiving! We need to gain a better perspective and count our blessings. We are rich in blessings – are we thankful? Being thankful equates to being at peace. We should have songs in our heart that have to be sung! Appreciate your blessings and say thank you, despite when stress and distress overshadows thankfulness. God loves us and showers us with blessings daily. You are where God wants you to be – you need to be willing to serve him and give thanks in EVERY circumstances. Jesus gives us peace and comfort in all situations. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. A critical spirit keeps us from being thankful, but Jesus is always with us – he’s alive inside of us and is our savior and protector. GIVE THANKS!!!

On this day in 1963 JFK was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835, Joe DiMagio was born in 1914; JFK Jr. was born in 1960, and Barbara & Jenna Bush (twin daughters of President George W Bush) were born in 1981. In 2002 Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce.

TOMORROW November 26 is:

• National Cake Day
• National Day of Mourning
• Thanksgiving Day –
• Turkey-free Thanksgiving

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving day, whether it’s by yourself or with friends and family. God is good, all the time! God bless – he always does!

As Bud would have said (and Ron reminded me) one month from today is Christmas Eve! I’m sticking to Thanksgiving right now- and I am thankful for my family being here that I could enjoy them for more than one day! Kelly has been busy making hats and the kids are competing in the video games that never end. It is just very fun to all be together, to watch everyone doing what they enjoy, and having fellowship together. Kath and I are going for a window visit to see mom in an hour and I’m glad to have that opportunity. And to all of you who read these posts, I am thankful for you as well!

I listened to Micah today, and thanks to Gwen for being faithful to send me the links. His message was to give thanks for everything – EVERYTHING! – every day. We don’t have to like it or understand it – just give thanks. God does not want sacrifices, but for us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Micah said that we spend Thanksgiving day reflecting on all we have and then Black Friday saying GIVE ME MORE – and at a discount! We need to focus on 1) He is God and He is good – we should make a joyful noise, joyfully serve, and joyfully sing. Reflect on the provisions he gives; he always meets our needs, and his truth endures for generations. Thanksgiving should be a manner of living not a day of celebration; a lifestyle, not at event. Be thankful every day … for everything!

On this day in 1784 Zachary Taylor – 12th president – was born, as was Todd Beamer in 1963, hero on Flight 93. Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed two days after killing JFK in 1963.

TOMORROW November 25 is:

• National Play Day with Dad
• National Parfait Day
• Blase´Day
• Shopping Reminder Day (as if we need reminded…)
• Tie One On Day
• National Jukebox Day –
• AND — One month until Christmas Day!!!

Be sure to give thanks for all the wonderful blessings around you – daily! God bless…

This will be a week of change. I will change my routine, change my schedule, change my meals. And it will be a fun relief! I did have to work this morning, then came home and we all had lunch together. Kelly and I went shopping for a few missing necessities (food-related) that the boys and she were craving, along with paper plates to reduce the workload! We did laundry and supper and I listened to Bram and Steve. Kelly was making cute little hats to wear to keep her short-haired head warm, Logan was watching his favorite YouTube video-ers, and Chrissy and Chase were playing Minecraft. So everyone was settled in. And I’m typing.

Got a very welcome and fun card in the mail today from Ron in Florida. That’s just a little too far away for comfort…. Miss you!

Bram’s message was entitled WHATEVER. He was talking about being thankful, as it’s more than one day or a feeling. It’s a way of life. It’s not what you get that determines our quality of life; it’s how you interpret what you get. Thanksgiving encompasses our whole life. How does our relationship with Jesus reflect what we choose to do, say, or watch on television? Always remember the goodness of God and be thankful. And the WHATEVER? Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

On this day in 1921 US President Warren G. Harding signed Willis Campell Act (anti-beer bill) forbidding doctors prescribing beer or liquor for medicinal purposes. In 1923 Cecil B. DeMille‘s first version of “The Ten Commandments” premiered in the USA. In 1963 LBJ proclaimed Nov 25 a day of national mourning (for JFK). In 2018 Justin Bieber married Hailey Baldwin. In 1804 Franklin Pierce – 14th President – was born; Billy the Kid (American outlaw) was born in 1859; Boris Karloff in 1887, and Miley Cyrus in 1992. And joining them today is my friend from high school, Debby Yanosko Gretz. From performing a routine to LEMMON TREE in gym class in 9th grade (or thereabouts) to high school reunions to Concerts in the Park at St. Clair Park, Debby has been a friend. Have a great day, Debby, and a wonderful year!

TOMORROW November 24th:

• National Sardines Day (I won’t be celebrating THAT!!!)

Have a terrific Tuesday – I’m staying at home with my family and enjoying a mini vacation! Tomorrow’s tasks are making Hershey Kiss pretzels with M&Ms, and maybe having Logan help put up the Christmas deer. Enjoy your day! God bless…

I took a longer early morning walk – it wasn’t too chilly but also wasn’t sunny. Had oatmeal for breakfast then went to church. Mike’s message was how to give thanks. We need to thank God for his provisions – we often forget to thank him or complain because it’s not our perfect choice. Also we must learn to thank God in the ‘even though’ times. Read Psalms 23:4. When things don’t go well, He still takes care of us – He prepares us daily for what will happen in our life. We get strength by going through trails and recognizing the presence of God. We need to give thanks in spite of our trials – Remember that Satan is the enemy; GOD is the refuge, and he’s always there. God deserves our thanks and praise, no matter our circumstances.

After church I came home and cleaned up from the bread baking yesterday, then made a fresh pot of potato soup. It felt like the day for it. I let it simmer a little and had a grilled cheese with homemade bread for lunch – and am still too full to eat supper at 6:30pm! Kelly and the two younger boys are on their way up to spend time until Thanksgiving, so it will be a busy, full week for all of us. Not sure how much time I will have to post – but have a wonderful week whatever you are doing!

On this day in 1803 Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt got engaged. In 1963 John F Kennedy, 35th president, was assassinated in Dallas Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald. I was sitting in 7th period study hall when the school office made the announcement over the intercom. Then, of course, Lyndon B Johnson was immediately sworn in as the 36th president of the United States. In 1984 Fred Rogers presented a sweater to the Smithsonian Institute. And in 1995 Toy Story was released. Abigail Adams – 2nd first lady – was born in 1744 and Rodney Dangerfield in 1921. CS Lewis died at age 64 in 1963, and Mae West in 1980 at age 87.

TOMORROW November 23 is

• National Cashew Day
• National Eat a Cranberry Day
• National Espresso Day

None of those really interest me, although I will eat the occasional Cashew. Celebrate any way that you choose, but remember to be thankful! God bless…

Today has been a day of chores and errands. Changing and washing bed sheets, mixing up bread dough from Grama Crooks’ recipe, finishing up the grocery shopping for next week, doing the ironing. Getting a balance in the checkbook (sad….). But, it’s CHRISTMAS!! Shopping to be done, gifts to be bought. Love wrapped in love!

Kelly told me yesterday that she was named Leader of the Year for the Ohio County 4H! I’m so proud of her! And that being in the midst of three surgeries and DOZENS of Pittsburgh doctor visits and trips to the hospital. So here is to my talented and sacrificial daughter! Kudos! In THEIR words (posted on facebook):

West Virginia 4HIt’s time to THANK-A-VOLUNTEER

WVU Extension Service-Ohio County “There are no office hours for leaders.” –Cardinal J. Gibbons This dedicated leader knows no hours when serving the youths and leaders in Ohio County. She not only dedicates herself to the Shooting Sports as the Organizational Leader of the special interest club, but she also serves as an Assistant Leader to the Creeks 4-H Club, and she serves as the secretary for the Leaders Association. Outside of 4-H she serves her church, a local group for young ladies and teaches at a homeschool co-op for which her three boys are a part of. She takes accurate minutes, reports for instructors and serves as a role model for everyone she meets. Her dedication and overwhelming kind heart make her an amazing mother, friend, and leader. Kelly Hancher is your 2020 Ohio Co Outstanding Leader. Thank you Kelly!

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry – Give Praise and Thanks always to God. God commands us to give thanks. Why? It’s vital to our spiritual journey. Thanksgiving helps us to be more compassionate. We can say our glass is half full or half empty, but we really should be saying, ‘My cup runneth over’. God leads us through hard times; we need to remember the good gifts God gives us. Always give thanks; God’s blessings are abundantly generous. We need to give thanks and to give back; give as much as you are able, and beyond.

On this day in 1931 the horror film Frankenstein was released, and in 1976 “Rocky” premiered in New York (we saw the statue when we were in Philly!!!). In 1987 Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were married. As for birthdays, my fellow 1968 Hempfield grad (and former Smail co-worker) Ralph Kercheval is celebrating today, and Matt’s Aunt Trish has a birthday today, and my cousin’s son Aaron does as well. Happy birthday – celebrate and enjoy your day and a brand new year!

TOMORROW November 22 is:

• National Cranberry Relish Day (Sorry – no thrill there!)

Tomorrow starts Thanksgiving week. Even with limitations and sacrifices and viruses, we have so much to be thankful for! Be sure to recognize that, every day! God bless…

Today was a beautiful day – and Di and I took a back roads trip to Laurel Mountain and walked Hemlock Trail. We enjoyed the woods and the river and the fresh air and the conversation. That all added up to a day of fellowship and friendship. Once we were back down off the trail we drove over to the lake and ate our picnic lunch at a table there. Met a very nice dog and his man at the boat launch. We took a different way home, still back roads, and the views were spectacular.

Autmn came over and we worked on a Humanities project. This was trickier than it sounds – about the place God holds in our country (and beyond); why and how and what we believe. Autmn and I had some very interesting discussions. Once that assignment was done, we backed chocolate chip muffins and she mixed up my scones for me to bake in the morning.

I listened to Steve’s message from Maplewood. He talked about being AWAKE! What are we seeing around us? What will come next? The early kings of the Old Testament were every one less than what Israel needed. After years and years of turning from God, they prayed for a king who would seek the Lord with his whole heart, soul, might. That was King Josiah – but he was killed in battle. So they got what they wanted but they didn’t get the results they needed. And no one could make God’s people good. The same thing is going on NOW. BE AWAKE – the coming of the Lord is approaching. The story of the kings is a foretelling of the King who DID come, the king that would save God’s people. And that King was Jesus, who was born to set us free. We are the sons and daughters of an eternal king. BE AWAKE – the time is coming — soon!

On this day in 1789 New Jersey was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights. Robert Kennedy was born in 1925, and Joe Biden was born in Scranton PA in 1942. In 1947 Elizabeth II (future Queen) weds Philip Mountbatten.

TOMORROW November 21 is:

• National Gingerbread Cookie Day
• National Stuffing Day
• National Red Mitten Day
• National Adoption Day –

So stay awake, be ready for the king. Enjoy each day God gives you! God bless….

** I don’t believe this got posted in the right place! If you found it and read it that’s great – if not, here you go!!

It was cold and rainy when I got up so I did not walk outside. I did work, and ran two errands and got gas for the car. After lunch I made potato soup as my milk was on the verge of expiration. I’ll have some later. Kath and I went over to have a window visit with mom. She was happy to see us, and when we sang to her she smiled and was tapping her hands to the words. It was nice to see her so animated and smiling. And Snoopy just summed it up for us!

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. After a very lengthy absence due to surgery, it was great seeing him back in the pulpit. His message was quenching thirst and hunger. We are created to connect to God. The church grew regardless of message and setting; people are thirsting but we don’t quench it; hungry but we don’t feed them – we don’t give them what they need. Jesus is what the church should be about. The first church – as well as the church today: devote themselves to the apostles teaching (and they did NOT have Bibles!), to worship and prayers, and to fellowship with one another. We are free to pray any time and anywhere and we take it for granted! People are thirsty and hungry: it’s our job to feed them!

On this day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln began his first draft of the Gettysburg Address; in 1962 President John F Kennedy dedicated Dulles airport (Washington, D.C.); in 1997 Mario Lemieux entered the NHL Hall of Fame. And in 2003 Britney Spears, 21, was the youngest singer to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

TOMORROW November 18 is:

• National Princess Day
• National Vichyssoise Day
• Mickey Mouse Birthday
• National Educational Support Professionals Day 

Help Mickey celebrate – have a great day! God bless…

Missed walking this morning – crazy day all in all. Started out with a backed up drain – Hempfield Township came out at 8am and checked their lines, which were open. So I had a drain plumber come and snake out my inside lines. They are clear now, but had a sticky wicket of tangled tiny roots. Ugh. Glad the process was a success but the laundry room was a mess. Took me an hour to scrub and clean and sweep – and still have to wash a few throw rugs. Double Ugh.

Chrissy came over and helped me make cookies – to freeze. I found a little beanie baby (which she collects) so she was glad to trade her cookie baking assistance for the blue baby! It’s 9:30pm and I missed dinner – I’ll eat something light and call it a night.

Di txt me as asked me to go with her in the morning for a hike on the Ghost Town Trail – so something different – yea!

I will share Mike’s message from HCC. It was basically how to deal with conflict, and here are the 7 points: 1) Expect it (it’s inevitable) 2) Deal with it (don’t ignore it – things get worse if you do) 3) Control your anger – we often make bad decisions in anger 4) Listen to the other side – that’s not easy! 5) Invite wise council (don’t try to figure this out on your own) 6) Look to the Bible – it holds all the wisdom we need. 7) Compromise – hardest of all! Get rid of what’s holding you down and follow Jesus. Don’t ever make it difficult for anyone to come to God!

On this day in 1493 Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico, and in 1805 Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean, the first European Americans to cross the west. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers…”. In 1990 Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Barry Bonds won NL MVP. Charles Manson died at age 83 in 2017. James A Garfield – 20th president – was born in 1831, Calvin Klein in 1942, Meg Ryan in 1961, and Jodie Foster in 1962. And my friend and one of our country’s newest official citizens, Louise Henry, is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday, Louise! Enjoy many, many American more!!!

TOMORROW November 20 is:

• National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
• National Absurdity Day (Wow- doesn’t that just totally sum up 2020???)
• National Child’s Day

I hope to have some fun and interesting photos for tomorrow! Di is a veteran hiker and I know we’ll have a great time! God bless…

When I woke up to a flittering of snow on the ground and 29*, I opted to walk on the treadmill. I set my nook on the stand and walked for about 25 minutes. Today was cleaning day, and it’s not a huge process but it took me longer than normal. As previously mentioned, I am an ARC (early) reader for Elizabeth Bromke and just got her newest book. I was so into the book and the characters that I took far too many ‘book’ breaks. I think this may have been my favorite one so far that she’s written. It’s called THE COUNTRY CLUB and I highly recommend it! In fact, I recommend ALL of her books!

After I cleaned and finished the book, I gave the grass one final cutting. That should be it for the year – or lets hope so!

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning about DON’T FORGET GOD. Three points; Be Aware, Beware, Be Where (He wants you). 1) God allows trials to humble you and test you. He is always in control and brings us back to Him. 2) God made you how you are. He wants you to use your talents for Him. Don’t forget His presence in your life. 3) Where should you be? In His word and His will. God’s desire is for us to follow Him; He must always be first. Don’t FORGET GOD!

On this day in 1928 Walt Disney released his first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie. In 1978, in Jonestown Guyana, 918 members of the Peoples Temple were murdered or committed suicide under the leadership of Jim Jones (who also died). The saying ‘drank the Kool-Aid’ originated from this event. In 1997 Metallica released their album ‘ReLoad’. Our 21st president, Chester A Arthur died in 1886 at age 57. In 1948 KFC founder Colonel Sanders (58) married long time employee Claudia Price. Catherine Zeta-Jones (31) married Michael Douglas (56) in 2000, and in 2006 Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes.

TOMORROW November 19 is:

• National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day
• National Play Monopoly Day
• Great American Smokeout –
• National Rural Health Day –

One week from tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! Family, food, fun, faith. Something to look forward to! God bless….

After a night of horrific winds and little sleep, the sunrise was a beautiful purple and yellow and pink. Gave hope for a sunny day, which it was. I met Kelly in Washington (PA) and we handled a few things with Santa. It was a fun day, with Chick Fil-A for lunch and checking quite a few things off our list. It was cold but sunny and not as much wind. Now to sort everything out and see what’s left to do!

And a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to whoever sent me the unsigned note that I received in the mail today. You are a blessing, and I wish that back to you 100 fold!

I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt on the way home. It was the last message in his MISSION CONTROL series (Acts). He started out with a quick review of the previous messages. Since I did do a synopsis of each one, you can go back all those weeks and review for yourself – or just read the book of Acts! The summation was connecting what was happening back at the beginning of the new testament church and what we have now. “Go to the people and say, you will be ever hearing and not understanding; seeing and not perceiving.’ We have so much technology at our fingertips, but still do not hear or understand. Our ‘Mission’ (as in the first church) is to Go, teach, baptize, preach. Paul BOLDLY taught; we need to refocus, get serious, and teach and spread the word. The story isn’t over – we are living it right now!

And Lucy has the right idea – even though the days and outlooks often seem bleak – we need to hang in there. God’s still in control!!!

On this day in 1939 Al Capone was freed from Alcatraz and in 2010 the engagement was announced between Kate Middleton and Prince William. Clark Gable died in 1959.

TOMORROW November 17 is:

• National Baklava Day
• National Take A Hike Day (I could enjoy doing that, or telling SOMEONE ELSE to do that! )
• National Homemade Bread Day

Hope you have time to actually get outdoors (if it’s nice) and take a healthy hike, ‘Go and Teach’, or visit with Santa. Have a great Tuesday! God Bless…