A little snow again this morning – but nothing stuck. I did laundry, had a small breakfast, and finished the book I was reading. Had a few minutes to look for another one but so far not impressed. I left the house at 11:30 and met my former neighbor Bernie at Hoss’s. I think it’s been 7 or 8 years or more since I’ve been there. We both had the salad bar. The conversation and catching up was better than the meal! We talked about dead people (whom we both knew), reading, publishing, food and diets, neighborhoods, kids, men (ugh), finances, jobs and history. I think we covered it all! She’s a very unique friend!

A little like this stock photo…

Thankfully not this! (New York)

My next stop was to the chiropractor (Kip) in Youngwood – then Shop and Save for 4 items I need for the week. I was going to buzz out to Levin to check out the mattresses, but decided I was not prepared to have the President’s Day sale (pending expiration tomorrow) push me into a decision quickly. So I’ll look a few places in the next few months and try to catch the Memorial Day sales.

Being pro-active…

Kelly sent me a picture last night of Ransom playing with his new Snoopy chew toy! He loves it!

I still have the ironing to do and one or two small things. Tomorrow is the long list – after work. So that’s it for today! Oh and another fun thing – I saw a post that General U. S. Grant is coming back to Delmont in June! Yea!

TODAY I am thankful for reconnecting with friends!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Actually, things are pretty OK!!!

TOMORROW February 24th is:

I Hate Coriander Day; National Steakburger Day; National Tortilla Chip Day; National Trading Card Day; Twin Peaks Day; World Bartender Day; World Spay Day.

I had tortilla chips and cheese with my salad for lunch. They were good. God bless!

Top 10 songs in 1967!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On February 23, 1954, a group of children from Arsenal Elementary School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, receive the first injections of the new polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk.

Woke up to a dusting off fresh snow. Everything did look white and soft. I was glad that we didn’t get the winter storm that east of us seemed to get.

Back deck

Lilacs

We have been continuing the lessons on Revelation in Sunday School, which I am still enjoying. I can’t say that I understand everything, or that I will remember all the details, but I feel like I have a new understanding.

Shane Woods

Todd’s message was about passing judgement – even though we must call a sin, a sin – that is NOT sinful. It’s appropriate. We must be advocates and offer benefit of the doubt – God does that for us – how could we not? When Peter denied Jesus He did not send him away as unworthy. He said, ‘Get back to work!!’. We can confront people, and correct them (gently, and in love) but not condemn them. That is not our job.

Five of the worst words of advise ever given.

After church Mary and I went out to brunch at Eat n Park. It was nice to sit and chat and catch up. We both had the salad bar, which wasn’t too exciting today, but the company was excellent!

Rather than go straight home, I went to L&L Fleatique to walk around. I was SO excited – I found another skunk! So now, with Beth having one already, I only need one more! I’m sure I can do this! Persistence pays off!

Bet you can’t find eight!

When I got home, I answered some emails and looked a few things up – made lunch plans for tomorrow with an old neighbor from up on Mohawk. Also submitted a story to a local magazine publication – we’ll see what happens. The editorial staff and the submission guidelines have changed so not sure if the selection process has redirected their focus as well.

I still have a bit of ironing to do! That will be it for the day.

TODAY I am thankful for…. (Wait for it!)…. SKUNKS!!!! (HAHAHAHA)

One left to find!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

Diesel Engine Day; National Banana Bread Day; National Dog Biscuit Day; National Play Tennis Day; National Rationalization day; National Tile Day; National Tootsie Roll Day; Pinocchio Day; Clean Monday; Curling is Cool Day; National Alycat Day.

We Kathy and I were little, Tootsie Rolls were a standard part of our vacations (travel snack food) and Santa always left them for us! I think that’s all I’ll celebrate today!

MOVIE from 1968:

I can’t believe I actually went to see this – it was NOT my kind of movie!

On this date in history: In 1963 Fred and Wilma Flintstone gave birth to a baby girl, whom they names Pebbles!

It was hard to have Kelly and Chase leave this morning. But I’m EVER SO GRATEFUL (as Grama Violet used to say!) that they come up so often and spend time here. I love it! Last night (Thursday) Autmn, Noah and Cameron came for about half an hour and we had fun with them, too. Cameron is such a ham and loves to pose and smile for the camera any time! He sure loves his cows and duckies!

Cameron loves sitting on the chair!

Almost always happy!

And speaking of animals – we saw our first robin of spring (well, almost spring) yesterday morning! It’s hard to see his red breast but there were 3 or 4 playing in the yards. And the black bird was identified by my camera as a Common Grackle. Never heard of one but it was beautiful with deep shiny blue and purple feathers.

Robin directly in the middle.

Grackle?

When we came downstairs there was a note on Chase’s brown bear (or whatever it is!). He needed the seam in his back sewn. So I preformed surgery and the operation was successful. All is well. Two emergency stitchings in less than a week! I need to raise my prices!! 🙂

The note Chase left the ‘surgeon’!

The note the ‘surgeon’ left Chase!

I had a follow-up dentist appointment to make sure my gums were healing properly where the bridge will be. All is well. And while I was waiting I had a beautiful ‘view’. I wouldn’t mind being there for real.

Doesn’t this look delightful?

My step-sister Barb posted about February being Skunk mating season. Kathy copied it and sent it to me! It was an interesting read! I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt – but I haven’t seen it except for that one time last Thursday.

It was sunny and bright most of the day but very windy. My weather app on my task bar says rain/snow ahead. Ugh. I did get a chance after the dentist to be outside for about an hour. I swept the patio stones and part of the driveway, pulled dead vines on the hill by the house, and pulled some dead branches out of the lilacs by the fence. Now I’m itching to get outside for real and clean up! Come on, spring!

Pulled the dead vines out.

Pulled a bunch of dead branches out of here.

I’m listening to Dan + Shay and Brad Paisley Christmas Albums while I work. I haven’t watched TV since Tuesday evening! I don’t think I missed anything – and if I did it wasn’t as fun as being with my family.

Brad Paisley

TODAY I am thankful for family time!

Cameron and Kelly

Noah, Autmn and Chase

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 21st is:

Card Reading Day; International Mother Language Day; National Boiled Peanuts Day; National Grain-Free Day; National Red Sock Day; National Sticky Bun Day; Language Day.

I’ve been hungry for a sticky bun. Yum. If I can find my red socks I’ll wear them! God bless…

MOVIE from 1966:

Oh my gosh! I remember this so well!!! Don Knotts was CRAZY!!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1962: John Glenn becomes first American to orbit the Earth

We accomplished several things today. We were able to book our motel for Gettysburg, and even pick a date for a day trip to Johnstown. It’s nice to have that done. We had leftover pizza for lunch, and made Brownies for Autmn and Noah. They came to visit for about half an hour and it was fun to spend time with Cameron. Pictures tomorrow. We also popped back over to Big Lots – Kelly was looking for a battery operated night light for her bathroom and finally decided on one so we went and got that. I’ll post the rest of the news tomorrow. They are leaving in the morning 🙁

TODAY I am thankful for fresh made brownies!

I gave 2 pans of brownies away – except for tonight’s dessert!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 20th is:

No Politics Day; Clean Out your Bookcase Day; Friday Fish Fry Day; National Caregivers Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Comfy Day; National Handcuff Day; National Love your Pet Day; National Leadership Day; National Muffin Day; National Student Volunteer Day; National Tarter Sauce Day; World Care Day.

No politics is fine with me! And I AM going to have fish one of these Fridays during lent. No handcuffs and no pet but muffins are good. God bless…

MOVIE from 1965:

Definitely a classic favorite. It’s on my favorites list!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1945 Six U.S. servicemen raised the American flag over Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II.

Classic photo.

Kelly and I had scones for breakfast, then ran our errands. We had several little things to handle and even though we weren’t out very long, we went to five stores! Kelly needed charging cords for the new phone Matt ordered for her, and I got Logan’s dog Ransom a tiny stuffed dog-toy Snoopy. We couldn’t find anything else we were searching for. So we had grilled cheese and Aunt Joan’s corn for lunch, cleaned out Kelly’s car, and visited with Nate for a few minutes when he stopped over. I think the plan is to order pizza for supper – Hancher favorite of Gianilli’s ! And that’s it for today.

TODAY I am thankful for family time!

From last summer…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 19th is:

Iwo Jima Day; National Arabian Horse Day; National Lash Day; National Chocolate Mint Day; National Airboat Day; Tug of War Day.

I have almost no eye lashes. But I love Chocolate Mint! God bless….

Movie from 1964:

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

TODAY on this date in History: 1885 Mark Twain publishes “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in the US

Tuesday! I worked this morning – and did have several things to do. Colton was scheduled to wash my car today but he ended up not working today. Rege found the back up sensors and cleaned them for me, which was a bonus. But that’s good, because I took him cookies — today was ‘random kindness day!’

I stopped at Marshall’s after work and was able to get a picture frame, and some little felt tabs for my projects. Another stop at Walmart for a few (very few!) groceries and odds and ends: Photo paper, an Easter story book, a whisk broom and dust pan, and shampoo/conditioner. For the first time in a long time I found everything on my list!

The story is a good fit – not too juvenile, and can be easily enhanced!

I know Kelly’s coming up (I’m not sure of her ETA) so I spent the afternoon doing a quick clean – bathrooms, kitchen, dust, sweep, Swiffer — then washed a load of towels. So I’m ready: Food, clean house, accessories!

Once that was done, I managed to turn the outside spigot back on so I could wash the car. It was so dirty! It feels good to have a clean car. But I couldn’t manage to turn the water back off – hopefully Chase will come with Kelly and he’s tall enough to reach the turn-off knob.

Shiny clean!

I switched the front deck lights from the green to purple. It’s strange, because all 3 sets of lights are the same but they light differently. But now that’s done too until summer.

Just as I was ready to pull the car in the garage I realized I didn’t get cheese at Walmart! My family are cheese-heads so I just did a quick buzz to Dollar General and got a package. So now that is done too! I have an email to do after this, then supper!

TODAY I am thankful for a clean car!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 18th is:

Cow Milked while Flying in an Airplane Day; National Battery Day; Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; Pluto Day; National Drink Wine Day; Thumb Appreciation Day; Ash Wednesday.

I can eat ice cream any time of the day. I didn’t know cows flew in airplanes. I appreciate my thumb but I’ve never really said it out loud. God bless!

MOVIE From 1963:

This movie (I was 13) left an impression on me that I still remember to this day! Not a fan!!

On this day in History: 1621 Myles Standish is elected as the first commander of the Plymouth Colony

Answers to yesterday’s presidential questions: Millard Fillmore carried a dictionary at all times. Franklin Pierce was close friends with Nathaniel Hawthorne. Warren G Harding’s parents were both doctors!

Oh! And last night Kathy and I went to a program in Murrysville for President’s day. It was supposed to be Presidents Lincoln, Washington, and Grant. Grant ended up being ill and couldn’t come, and Lincoln had an accident and also couldn’t come. But Washington came and he was very interesting. I learned several things! And he filled the gap well for the evening.

I started this morning by doing laundry and working on a few household (small) projects. I even made another coaster – I’m addicted to making those! Look out world!

This is actually the back of my sweatshirt!

A little before noon I made my way over to Kathy’s. The road department was tearing up all the roads going into Overview, and it was tricky to even get there. But Lynn, Corliss and I all made it and settled in for a fun afternoon.

….except for the dog….

Kathy made a very President’s Day appropriate meal – see menu below. She always has Presidential facts tucked away for every day use! And she sets a festive table!

Our presidential menu

We stopped long enough to take a few photos before lunch – then we went into the living room and exchanged unique and quirky facts about some of our past presidents. Here are three facts – see if you can figure out which president they are attached to – answer tomorrow!

Lynn, Kathy, Corliss

Lynn, me, Kathy

1: Carried a dictionary at all times. 2: Was close friends with Nathaniel Hawthorne. 3: Parents were both doctors.

TODAY I am thankful for these lovely ladies and friends!

Lynn, Kathy, Me, Corliss

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 17th is:

Champion Crab Races Day; Lunar New Year Begins; Global Tourism Resiliance Day; My Way Day; National Cabbage Day; National Cafe au lait Day; National Public Science Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day; Who Shall I Be Day; National Cauliflower Day; Fat Tuesday.

I do like cauliflower! I will be ME day – that’s who I’ll be! And I’ll do it my way! God bless…

Movie from 1962:

On this Day in History: 1861 Abraham Lincoln stops his train at Westfield on his way to Washington to thank 11-year-old Grace Bedell in person for her advice to grow a beard to gain more votes.

Didn’t sleep as well as I hoped – but I’ll make it to bed time! Church and Sunday School went well – we voted on a new Next Gen minister (for our kids teenage and younger). I’m fairly certain he will get voted in. I am thoroughly enjoying the Sunday School lessons on Revelation – finally making sense of some of it!

Pat is a member at the church my brother in law preaches at. She’s very talented. (*Copywrite)

Todd’s message was still in the B-Attitudes. We are the salt and light of the world. That is our identity. It’s a privilege with a great responsibility. How? Love people until they ask WHY? God blesses us so we can bless others through us. We reflect God’s light — a lighthouse doesn’t move so you would follow it. The light is constant and we can shine so others can see their way home. You might be the only Jesus others ever see.

Too many people feel this way!

Lighthouse …

Deb made a sweet treat mix and shared some with me – Cheerios, pretzels and M&M’s – mixed together and coated with melted white chocolate chips. Very yummy and hit the spot! Especially since I sent most of the cookies home with Christina!

Sweet treat from Deb (what I haven’t already eaten!)

Chrissy’s cookies

When she got there we had a bowl of Cream of Potato Soup and I sent the rest home with her. Along with some cheese, a few dark chocolate covered mini-cookies, and most of the cookies we made. We worked together and it worked out smoothly and they tasted very yummy!

Potato Soup

Chrissy’s stuff

She brought her little warmable bunny with her – he had a little hole under his arm and was losing his stuffing. I sewed it right up, and said if it turned out to be ‘cancer’ bring him back for more surgery! Chrissy and I had a lot of interesting, informative, and fun conversations and enjoyed our day together.

Chris and her tiny bunny!

My friend Mary sent me a txt this morning that her family was taking a day trip to Lake Erie today. She shared some pictures which I’m posting here. I don’t remember ever going to the lake in the winter when we were at Mom’s!

The Lake covered in ice.

Frozen waves

Dom and Dave at the Lighthouse

Mary and Dom (at the lighthouse)

Beth sent me a picture of her TY Skunk that Mom gave her. I’m excited that she has one! She also got a little Bear – Duck for Cameron. How cool is THAT?

Beth’s skunk

Cameron’s duck bear

So now I’m finishing up this post and having a cup of hot tea and cookies. That’s it for today!

Today I am thankful for Chrissy’s visit!

Archive photo.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 16th is:

President’s Day; Innovation Day; National Almond Day; National Do a Grouch a Favor Day; Islander Day.

I am celebrating at a luncheon tomorrow at Kathy’s! It will be a very presidential luncheon! God bless…

Movie from 1961

My favorite, long-time all-time movie!

On This day in History: On February 15, 1903, toy store owner and inventor Morris Michtom places two stuffed bears in his shop window, advertising them as Teddy Bears – named (with permission) for Theodore Roosevelt.

I was reading Snoopy comics and it looks like he had a lovely Valentine’s Day! I’m celebrating by watching my DVD of Biltmore Christmas!

Normal Saturday – changing and washing bedsheets. I will do the ironing once I’ve posted this. I did take down and pack away the Valentine decorations, including switching out the flags, blankets, coasters, and lights. All back to normal now.

d Bookcase is back to purple from red.

I went outside around noon and cleaned off the parking space in the front driveway – it still had snow on part of it. I got the snow off, but there’s still a little ice. It will melt if it stays this warm and sunny.

Still a little ice left.

The snow is finally melting…

Also changed the flags back to winter.

Winter flag.

Also moved my favorite photo frame again – and some of the houses on the shelf.

Cabin in the snow….

I spent the rest of the afternoon editing and rewriting the Winter story, the DNA story, and finishing the Easter story. The Easter one is still way too long. But I can’t see how I can cut anything! it’s all very important.

Hopefully after I do the ironing I can peal and soak the potatoes for tomorrow’s soup. That will be my day. Hope your Valentine’s day was a delight!

TODAY I am thankful for sunshine and much warmer temperatures!

QUOTE of the DAY:

Maybe not sit outside today – but at least not listening to the news!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 15th is:

Love Reset Day; Susan B Anthony Day; International Angelman Day; International Childhood Cancer Day; National Black Girl Magic Day; National Flag of Canada Day; National Gumdrop day; National I Want Butterscotch Day; National Wisconsin Day; Singles Awareness Day; World Hippo Day; World Whale Day; Annoy Squidward Day.

I can’t eat gumdrops – too stickie for my teeth. I do like butterscotch. I am aware that I am single. God bless!

MOVIE from 1960:

One of my childhood favorites! My favorite actress was Haley Mills!

DELIGHTFUL picture!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: in 1801, Following a tie in the electoral college, the U.S. House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson president.

FRIDAY the 13th! I’d say that was yesterday for me, so today was smooth and safe. No skunks! Kathy agreed to be my fleatique buddy and we walked through time (and a lot of ‘junk’!) and shared memories. We drove to Blairsville, and went to Goodwill and the Fleatique on Route 119/22. Kathy bought a few items, as I did, and enjoyed some pretty bizarre items. It’s always fun to find things that we actually have, and see the prices. We were greeted at one booth by a pair of Moose!

“Welcome to Blairsville!”

I was basically on the lookout for the TY skunks and cows. Believe it or not, I found one of each! I was very excited. Now I have seven matching skunks – only need three more! I’m on the hunt!

And I have three TY cows, too.

Mamma pillow and baby cow.

I did laundry and worked on editing several stories. I still have to finish composing the Easter story – it’s going to be a challenge to create something compact enough to read in the allotted ‘story’ time, and still tell the whole story.

I bought this one for Cameron

In the background I was playing ANNE of GREEN GABLES: The Sequel. And that was my day!

TODAY I am thankful for sister outings!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

National Cheddar Day!

TOMORROW February 14th is:

Global Movie Day; International Book Giving Day; National Call in Single Day; National Cream Filled Chocolates Day; National Ferris Wheel Day; National Library Lover’s Day; Read to your Child Day; Valentine’s Day; World Sound Healing Day; National Organ Donor Day.

I love giving and getting books, and reading – to anyone, but especially children! And I like watching movies, too. God Bless…

MOVIE from 1959:

I love this movie!!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1866 Jesse James robs his first bank, stealing $15,000 from the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri