Full day for the start of the week. Threw a load of laundry in first thing, then after breakfast I stopped at Hepler’s Hardware on the way to my chiropractor appointment – I was out of weed-whacker string. I promised Claudia I would take the clean/pressed linens to Hanna’s Town so she could sort them out, then got gas in the Ford before my final stop – Giant Eagle to pick up a prescription.

My morning visitor – at least it wasn’t a skunk!

After lunch I put up three hooks (that I got at Heplers) so I could hang up my garden clothes in the garage. They don’t match and they aren’t cute but they are perfect for the job!

Since I got my melting chocolate in Smicksburg on Saturday I decided to do a few chocolate covered cookies. Believe it or not, I had finished up everything that I had made the last few months except for the dark chocolate covered mint Oreos – they are still in the freezer. I gave some away at Easter.

By then it was time to go outside. I changed clothes (see above!) and went down to the shed. I pulled weeds and dug out clumps around all four sides.

Far side of the shed – all cleaned up but now I need fresh mulch.

Behind the shed.

Front.

Yard side.

Then I cleaned out among the stones around the Crooks lilac – the one Allen and Bonnie gave Kathy and me when Mom passed away.

Snoopy standing guard.

I’m still struggling with the stump where the cherry tree was – it’s almost ready for a top soil dump and grass seed. But it was full of weeds that I couldn’t get close enough to mow so it was a mess. All cleaned up!

It almost looks like a crater on the moon…

I have a movie on in the background (THE REAL WEST) while I type. I’m almost done with book 5 in my 6-book series. Book six will be out on the April 20th.

TODAY I am thankful for time to think and ponder things!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 14th is:

National Reach as High as you Can Day; Perfume Day; Air Force Reserves Day; Identify Management Day; International Moment of Laughter Day; National Donate A Book Day; National Dolphin Day; National Ex-Spouse Day; National Gardening Day; National Pecan Day; Puffin Day; National Pan American Day; National Look up in the Sky Day.

Laughter is the best medicine! No thoughts for ex- spouse… I’m all for celebrating gardens! And as for the puffin – anyone out there remember Mrs. Ticklefeather? God bless….

MOVIE from 2012:

This was a really sweet movie – I even bought the DVD!

On this date in History:

Sunday School was our last lesson of this series on Revelation. I really enjoyed it. We all learned a lot and have a new concept of the rapture, heaven, Bible history…. Thanks, Shane Wood, for these video lessons.

I had to pop home a little early from Church. Autmn txt me early and needed some help with a few things. Noah was working and she had 2 birthday parties to attend and was on a schedule. I was glad I could help a little. I’ll pick up what I missed of Todd’s message later on live stream. Cameron was funny and busy – so I got him to help me. He unwound 3 spools of thread all over the spare bedroom, helped run the sweeper, helped put the sewing machine away, and picked up his farm block set. Also helped me eat the cookies!

He loves to have his picture taken!

They left for his little friend’s birthday party; then they planned to go straight to JoJo’s party (Autmn’s youngest sister). I had lunch, then rewrote my grocery list and updated my plans for Saturday. Ordered my Over the Counter Highmark products for second quarter, packed the tea linens to take to Claudia tomorrow, changed the bedspread for the bed in the flag room, made a master list of interesting places to visit in Gettysburg and forwarded them to Kelly and Kathy, then washed the car.

Also cleaned up a small flower bed and walked around to get some flower photos.

The flower bed I just weeded – more myrtle.

Primrose.

A cutting that I propagated from my main bridal bush.

Solomon’s Seal just starting to bud.

I also took time to clean out my pantry – today is National Clean out your Pantry day – so I did!

So I think that will be mostly it, aside from maybe a few small things. As usual, I have my farm family video playing in the background.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 13th is:

International Plant Appreciation Day; International Special Librarians Day; National Make Lunch Count Day; National Peach Cobbler Day; National Scrabble Day; National Silly Earring Day; National Thomas Jefferson Day.

I appreciate plants – especially in my yard! Haven’t played scrabble since Kathy and I were in Williamsburg several years ago (she won). I love silly earrings – and Thomas Jefferson is worth celebrating. God Bless…

Movie from 2011:

I love Jane Eyre and have 2 different DVD’s of the movie – but I never saw this one.

ON this day in History: 1861 Fort Sumter in South Carolina is attacked by the Confederacy, beginning the American Civil War.

My day consisted of a variety of chores. I changed my bed sheets and washed them and remade the bed. I still had last night’s laundry to press off, so I did that and put all the clean and ironed clothes away. I also balanced my checkbook – to the penny. Unfortunately it took two tries but it’s all good.

It was about time to make a trip down to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique so I did that. Didn’t really find anything too interesting – but did get a jar of spring honey (which I like better than fall). I did get a ceramic coaster that matches the framed painting in my kitchen.

The coaster on the table is an exact match of the picture.

After a banana and half a dozen pizza bites for lunch I went outside. I was torn between pulling weeds or cutting the grass. The grass won out. I weed whacked first, including along the boards lining my driveway. My neighbor Ryan cut their yard but didn’t weed whack – and technically since the logs are mine I feel responsible if they don’t trim. Looks much better!

Front yard mowed.

SO much neater.

Even the hill looks under control, but if you really look closely it isn’t!

And the Bleeding Heart is blooming, despite getting a strong hit from the frost a few weeks ago.

I set out ground beef to thaw and plan to make a meatloaf tomorrow afternoon for supper.

archive photo

TODAY I am thankful for fresh cut grass!

QUOTE for the DAY:

Peanuts?

Tomorrow April 12th is:

Wear a Star Day; National Only Child Day; National Colorado Day; National Record Store Day; National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; National Licorice Day; National Big Wind Day; Good Deeds Day; Hamster Day; Pretzel Sunday; Walk on the Wild Side Day.

I might wear a star tomorrow. I like stars! It’s always nice to do a good deed. I’m currently out of pretzels. God bless…

Country song from 2010:

Always reminded me of Grama Crooks’ house.

On this day in History:1970 Apollo 13 launched to Moon; unable to land, returns in 6 days.

Early morning – for me. I did the quick drain treatment before leaving the house. Picked up Kath at 8:45am and we headed to Smicksburg. Of course we stopped part way and got iced coffee (her) and frozen Coke (me).

So many memories! We spent the trip out catching up – both emotionally and activity wise. Our first stop was – as always! – Donna’s store. There are always so many wonderful items to see and — purchase! I just got cheese and a small snack bag of chips to have with my lunch. There was a bird’s nest in the old gas pump near the parking lot!

Bird nest in top left inside.

We made a quick stop at the Amish Bulk Food store for my melting chocolate. This horse did not seem very enthralled by being there. I got a pound of milk chocolate and 2 pounds of dark.

Sadly there are not many stores left out there these days. We went in the re-purpose store and found that they are closing at the end of April. Sad. Kath and I both got a little ornament. Of course mine is a cow!

Purple Cow.

Scary looking dragon outside the Re-purpose shop.

The next stop was The Country Cupboard – I got Diane her requested piece of fudge and a cow cookie cutter for me.

Cookie cutter

Llama outside the Country Cupboard.

My favorite store is The Shop at Smicksburg. I got a coaster and Kath got a God Bless America ornament.

When we left there we drove down to the park at the end of town. It was lunch time and we enjoyed the view of the woods – and a cluster of daffodils in the trees. It was a nice break.

views for lunch

Clump of Daffidills

The park was a nice size.

We got a little adventurous and went the other way out of Smicksburg and found McCormick Road – which we knew would end up at the McCormick Mansion. John McCormick invented the Water Turbine – the mansion is also tied to the underground railroad and is said to have been lived in at one time by a relative of Jimmy Stewart. We were in there once when we were very young – it’s still fun to drive past.

It would be fun to live here – I want the bedroom in the tower!

Our plan was to pop in and say hello to Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford – but alas. They were not home. So we got a drink out of the spring (beautiful clear water!) and took a picture of the corner stone with the skunks.

Drive by Amish!

Skunk friends.

Clear fresh water from the spring.

This is a long post! We decided to drive past Old Mahoning Church, and then walk up to the cabin. What a mess it is. So glad that Eric is going to be able to make use of the land. Even in its current state it brought back fun memories!

First view

Not much left.

Heading home, we drove past Grama Crooks’ house – and the springhouse. There were a ton of sheep in the fields at the end of Crooks Road! Some babies, too! So it was a lovely day and a fun trip – and we do appreciate the time we can spend together! Love you, Sis!

Former Crooks homestead

Springhouse

Sheep

Mommies and babies

The last landmark was the cow on the pole at the farm near the turn from Rt 210 onto Rt 85.

TODAY I am thankful for a trip out HOME with my favorite sister!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 11th is:

Dog Therapy Appreciation Day; National Catch and Release Day; National Cheese Fondue Day; National Clean up Your Pantry Day; National Eight Track Tape Day; National Pet Day; National Ranch Water Day; National Submarine Day; Slow Art Day; World Parkinson’s Day.

Not ready to mess with my pantry right now. I have some 8 track tapes but no player! What good is that? My dear friend Bill Smail had Parkinson’s – really still miss him! God bless…

MOVIE from 2009:

Veggie Tales are the BEST!

ON this day in History: 1912 RMS Titanic sets sail from Southampton for her maiden (and final) voyage

There were several things to do at work – all three guys were there. Sir Rege is still not himself – a little vertigo. That’s hard to navigate. I left work and stopped to help Mike P with a deal and a title, then made two stops on the way home. I popped into Hanna’s Town gift shop as they had something on hold for me. Then went to Craftique Corner to get candle bulbs for my night lights. They have some really cute crafts there.

Hanna’s Town has the new fort walls completely rebuilt. It looks amazing!

I heated up a piece of leftover pizza for lunch, then changed into yard clothes and went outside. I was out for several hours and accomplished a lot. Still have a lot to go but it’s looking nice. If it doesn’t rain I will work on a few other beds tomorrow.

Violets are one of my favorites!

In front of front deck.

Dug out all the weeds and grass clumps under the back deck.

Under the cement angel bench.

A few red Azalea buds coming on.

The pink ones are a little more developed.

Cleaned up around the lilacs

Between walk and house.

Top of steps – needs help!

TODAY I am thankful for weeded gardens!

Especially with myrtle blooming!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 10th is:

Day of Silence; International Kids’ Yoga Day; International Safety Pin Day (?); National Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Encourage a Young Writer Day; National Erase Self-Negativity Day; National Farm Animals Day; National Golfer’s Day; National Hug your Dog Day; National Siblings Day.

I’ve never really been totally into safety pins. I love to encourage young writers and have done that for several. Cameron LOVES farm animals. No sports, please. And I love my sibling! God bless…

Top country song from 2008:

Oh, dear. This brings back crazy memories! I do like this song, though.

On this day in History:

Today is Wednesday, so I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. Still have to fold the towels later – or in the morning. As is also typical, I took my time. I kept getting distracted with little projects. I had the last of the homemade bread from Easter toasted for breakfast, and a few Pizza rolls for lunch – quick microwave and a few bites and kept going!

After I finished cleaning I decided to switch out summer/winter clothes. It might still be a tad early, but honestly, they are just in the spare room closet so if I need something I can just grab it. I was excited because I was able to weed out a trash bag full of cast-offs – wrong sizes, duplicates, etc. I have several ideas about what to do with them. Also had a Walmart bag full of ones that should have been thrown away about 5 years ago! About time!

Give-aways

Sunny and chilly – so no outside work today. The new neighbors finally cut their front yard. It’s kind of choppy since it was so high – so I’m guessing they will have to do it again quickly.

And I guess that’s my whole day! I have the farm videos on in the background. They are talking about planting more fruit trees. Lots of work…

And not just apples!

So, today I am thankful for accomplishing an extra chore!

QUOTE of the DAY:

I can’t wait until Cameron is old enough to catch fireflies!

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow April 9th is:

Appomattox Day; Global Holistic Wealth Day; Jumbo Day; National Cherish an Antique Day; National Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Mature Women’s Day; National Name Yourself Day; National Unicorn Day; National Winston Churchill Day; Grand National; National Chicken Little Awareness Day.

Well, not only do I cherish antiques, and have LOTS of them – I also AM one! And that in itself is enough. God bless…

MOVIE From 2007:

I liked this movie enough to purchase the DVD!

On this date in history: 1879 Milk is sold in glass bottles for the first time.

I had a decent amount to do at work this morning. Everything went smoothly. I stopped at T-Mobile to ask about my iCloud storage but they actually weren’t much help! I DO know what’s going on but not sure how to navigate it. I think the key to this will be Kelly – but not sure in what way!

I had a list when I came home. Ate a piece of ham, sent a card to my friend Corliss who is having surgery on Thursday. Sent a group email to the Skunk Hollow girls about our upcoming Spring event, then did the ironing. I needed to make a cover for my flannel boards and pieces – I bought a set of pillow cases at Ollies and cut, sewed, and attached Velcro – and I think it will be just fine.

Nothing exciting – but a good protection.

Betty Lukens flannel figures and boards.

My plain black ‘tennis’ shoes (more like deck shoes) were worn thin, so I took a few minutes to pop over to look for another pair. Didn’t find exactly what I wanted but found something comfortable that will look just fine with leggings and a nice shirt. I usually have better luck finding the ones I want closer to summer.

I was in the garage looking for something and I heard a crash. The metal pole light I had stored out there (I was done with it, actually) just toppled over. When I checked, the heavy ‘cement’ filler in the bottom that holds it up crumbled and the light just fell over. So now it’s out for the trash.

This is the flag I moved from the other fence up to the driveway.

I already got all my emails done, so once this is finished I can search for food. Probably homemade bread toasted with tomato.

TODAY I am thankful again for the sunshine. (But it IS cold!)

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 8th is:

Baby Massage Day; Draw a Picture of a Bird Day; International Feng Shui Awareness Day; International Pageant Day; National All is Ours Day; National Pygmy Hippo Day; National Zoo Lovers Day; Step into the Spotlight day; Trading Cards for Grown-Ups Day.

I’m really not sure that anything there pulls me into a celebration. But enjoy whatever you do! God bless…

MOVIE from 2006:

My grandkids loved this.

On this day in history: 1862 Battle of Shiloh: Ulysses S. Grant defeats Confederate forces in Tennessee

I was really exhausted yesterday. When I finally went to bed I hadn’t even swept the floors! I never let that go! Thankfully Noah had swept up the paper Easter grass that Cameron had ‘planted’ in two rooms!

Ransom can’t figure out what this was all about!

But Cameron thinks it’s wonderful!

Started the day with the Easter horses!

We had a Social hour before church yesterday. There were SO MANY COOKIES! And several dozen donuts. It was so had to choose. It was nice to just hang around and talk to friends and new people that we don’t get to chat with often. Todd’s message was about Hope – and that it starts in the darkness. It was a very good message – We know the end of the story, and it gives us hope. I’d like to watch the live-stream again.

Jesus folded His own grave clothes.

Everyone got to the house about 2:30pm. We had lots of yummy food! Ham with potatoes and carrots, Beef roast, noodles from both broths, Aunt Joan’s Corn, homemade bread, veggies and dip, potato salad, deviled eggs — and dessert was Oreo Ice Cream, Apple pie with Vanilla Bean ice cream, cinnamon rolls, Peanut butter fudge. And M&M’s!

Taking a minute to relax after lunch.

The kids jumped in and helped clean up. I was thankful to have the help! Cameron and Ransom were friends….

Easter bunny to Ransom…

Cameron had fun looking for eggs that the Easter Bunny (AKA Nate and Jen) hid in the bottom yard. He wasn’t really interested in finding them all – once he had 2 or 3 he just wanted to open the eggs and eat the candy! It was still chilly, so once he gathered up the eggs we all came back inside and opened them. There were M&M’s, fruit snacks, mini cookies, and dinosaur stickers.

He loved his bubble machine – bubbles everywhere!

So fun! – now to the egg hunt…

Autmn with Cameron – looking for eggs!

Chrissy following Cameron around.

Basketful…..

Plunder.

Everyone started drifting off after that, one group at a time. I sent all the leftovers home with the kids – I only kept a few cinnamon rolls and a few slices of Oreo Ice Cream. And a bite of ham.

Ransom saying buy to Chrissy.

There were still a few things that I needed to clean up and put away, but I was glad to leave what I could until today. All the Easter decorations are down, packed in bins, and stored in the garage. I finally did get the floors swept, and even got the outdoor flags switched out. And the blankets to spring! Now, on to the next project!

The new farm flag – Cameron lives his cows!

But I did forget to mention that on Friday night at Good Friday services a former student from my Sunday School Class (he’s 7 now!) wanted me to know how much he appreciated me as a teacher….

From Jackson.

TODAY I am thankful for sunshine! Except for a quick rain….

It did pour…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 7th is:

International Beaver Day; International Snail Papers Day; Make the First Move Day; Metric System Day; Motherhood and Beauty Day; National Coffee Cake Day; National Girl Me Too Day; National No Housework Day; Public Television Day; World Health Day.

No housework? Hmmm. I could do that. God bless…

MOVIE from 2005:

I liked the original better.

On this day in History:

It was a fun day – great to have the family here. Good food, laughs, family time. But I’m really exhausted so I will recap tomorrow. Have a lovely week! God bless….

I kept busy all day. As previously mentioned, when I change the sheets on my new mattress the bed skirt always falls off – all the elastic washed out of it. I plan on looking for a new one after Easter. Or Vacation. Or whenever!

I need a new one like this

I did, however, get the sheets washed and changed. After my shower I had a piece of cinnamon toast, then started on the prep for tomorrow. Made potato salad and a few deviled eggs, and peeled/am soaking the potatoes for around the ham. I made tea, since I know it’s a favorite for Sherree. Got the lunch trays set out, and a few other items. The corn is defrosting in the fridge. Can’t have a holiday meal without Aunt Joan’s corn! So my fridge is full for a change.

Everything’s ready!

And I did not move my car or leave the house at all – I didn’t even start it! Glad to be home all day.

Taking a break!

Once I got all the Easter prep done, I cut the grass. It was a little warm to be doing that but at least there was a breeze. I also pulled weeds around the maple/lilac/bridal bush in the front yard, and realigned the rock border.

Grass is cut

Cleaned up all the leaves stuck to the driveway

dug out all the weeds – straightened the rocks.

I was trying to clean out the leaves stuck in the bushes and rammed a twig though my arm. It doesn’t hurt but it does look awful.

My boo-boo.

I mentioned my neighbor who had an ambulance at their house earlier this week. Sharon was sitting on her porch so I walked over and we chatted for a long while. She’s so nice – has a strong faith base and that’s such a comfort. Lou did get home from the hospital. She was glad that he’s improving.

I txt Autmn and she is going to make her deviled eggs – and if we don’t eat them tomorrow her and Noah will for sure eat them. She had a rough day – something in her house flooded and she had a tough time getting it cleaned up. Then the window would not shut and the wasps kept coming in. Too much for one day!

How cute is this? Way too much work for me…..

Today I’m thankful that I don’t have anything else pressing this evening!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow April 5th is:

Gold Star Spouses Day; International Day of Conscience; National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day; National Body Care Day; National Caramel Day; National Dandelion Day; National Deep Dish Pizza Day; National Raisin and Spice Bar Day; National Self Care Day; Easter Sunday.

OF COURSE – Easter is top priority. He is risen as he said! God bless us, every one.

MOVIE from 2004:

I never did get to ride this…..

On this date in history:

OK – can’t help it. I think this is funny….