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!

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….