Beautiful day! Warmer than anticipated and very sunny. After work I went outside and finished weed whacking, and since the grass really didn’t need cut again yet I pulled weeds and cleaned up 3 flower beds, with seven more to go!

Jeannette switched out my car – I only have this one – a Mazda CX 30 – a few days, then I’ll get a different one. It’s a really nice little car! Just the right size.

So – Vacation: I forgot to mention yesterday that when we left Greenville and headed to Asheville we took a very twisty, windy mountain road. We were really in the heart of the mountains, and the houses, yards, and forests reflected that. I thought it was a delightful drive but it could be scary at night or if you broke down! No pictures – almost impossible to capture the reality. I don’t remember the Route number. We were behind a tractor-trailer truck and I’m glad I wasn’t driving THAT.

Monday late afternoon and evening. We decided to take a drive over to Biltmore, even though we couldn’t get past the ticket booth. We were trying to see if Paul could wait in the Stables (those are gift shops and food places) while Kathy and I toured the home and gardens. I was excited at the Gatehouse! The flower gardens were wonderful! There were rows and rows of tulips, which are Kathy’s favorite.

Paul pulled over and Kathy and I took some photos. Some of the pictures I post are from the website and I was too enthralled to remember to take photos! When you pulled in, there was a gate house gift shop on the left, and an actual brick gatehouse to drive through. It was so cool!

We drove about a mile (maybe a bit less) up the narrow, winding road to the ticket office. We parked and went inside and got information. Paul asked every question in the BOOK and had at least three ticket clerks involved and laughing. In the end he bought a grounds pass so he could go in and sit in the Stables, chat with visitors, have ice cream, and relax.

We watched the intro movie about the history of Biltmore and it being built. The names of Frederick Law Olms (landscape artist) and Richard Morris Hunt (architect) are common names associated with the rich and famous of that century – Olms was responsible for Central Park (NY) and Hunt designed most of the Gilded Age mansions, especially in New York and Newport.

That being done, we drove back down through the gatehouse and drove to the little city park. It was very warm by now (the warmest day of our trip, in the mid-80’s) and we needed to walk off lunch. Paul parked in the shade, and Kathy and I took a few laps around the park paths. We also walked through the fountains when we could get through without getting wet! It felt good to feel the spray of the cool water.

We drove back to the motel, but really, we hadn’t had supper. Just a very late lunch. So back in the car – we drove down to the Cookout and got milk shakes. They tasted yummy and it was the perfect ending to the day. I was super excited for Tuesday and actually SEEING Biltmore house and gardens!

My friend Diane is at her vacation rental this week in the mountains – it’s such a restful, peaceful place. I hope she has a wonderful week!

My blessing for today was being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, and enjoying happy things!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 23rd is:

National Lost Dog Awareness Day; National Play in the Mud Day; National Take a Chance Day; National Talk Like Shakespeare Day; World Book Day; Slay a Dragon Day; Army Reserve Birthday; Impossible Astronaut Day; International Creator Day (in regards to the arts); London Marathon; Movie Theatre day; National Cherry Cheesecake Day; National Email Day; National English Muffin Day; National Lover’s Day; National Picnic Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Farm House Day. Tomorrow is Pennsylvania primary election day – VOTE! I love books – never slayed a dragon EXCEPT in a book. I email a lot and I like picnics. But again, VOTE! God bless…

We had an abbreviated church service this morning as today was Serve Sunday. Todd had a good lesson about the Woman at the Well – Can God forgive me? Jesus seeks us out deliberately. He gives us a 2nd chance. Our sins are buried and we are clean. He doesn’t think about them again. So we shouldn’t either. You have a chance, every day, to be who God knows you are.

So, now to vacation recap – the morning of the second day. We had spent the night in Abingdon Virginia, and were one hour and eight minutes from our next destination in Greenville TN. Before we headed out we got gas for the Jeep and got it washed – the windshield was filthy! We were greeted by a giant chicken!

We pulled into the visitor’s center about 9:30am and scheduled our tour of the homestead (17th president Andrew Johnson’s home). While we were waiting for our 11am tour, we watched the short movie about President Johnson’s life and presidency. Then we walked through the displays, including the tailor shop that he owned when he was 21 years old.

Paul drove the car down to the homestead while Kathy and I walked to the replica of Johnson’s birthplace. When he was 3 years old, his father died; later his mother placed he and his brother into service. He apprenticed as a tailor and eventually opened his own shop. He was mayor when when he was 21, and loved politics, the constitution and the country.

He was vice-president during the Civil war, and took the presidency when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. After his presidency he and his wife Eliza (who tutored him in reading and writing) moved back into their homestead. The home had been occupied by soldiers during the war and it was left in disrepair. Their daughter Martha dedicated herself to restoring the home and it looks basically today like it had then.

Johnson passed away at age 66 in 1875 and is buried in the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, which is at the top of a rounded mountain a few miles from his homestead. He was buried with the constitution at this head and wrapped in an American flag. He spent his entire life in politics and loved his country to the very end of his life.

We left Greenville and headed to Asheville NC, where we checked into our motel, then went in search of lunch. We ate at Cornerstone, which had wonderful food in large quantities! None of us could finish our meal. The rest of Day #2 will come tomorrow!

My blessing today was to get the weed whacking done. It was very cool – in the mid-40’s – and I went through both battery packs as I finished. It took me two hours. So much yard work this time of year.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 22nd is:

April Showers Day; National Earth Day; Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day; In God We Trust Day; National Farm House Day; National Jelly Bean Day; National Pinup Day; Passover.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Crackers Day. Hoping we DON’T have showers – I like living on the earth. And I do trust in God, every day. God bless!

We interrupt this recap of vacation to post a few pictures of being home today. I started the day by going to the bank then putting just a small amount of gas in the Hyundai. I am turning it in on Monday so I didn’t want to fill the tank.

From there I came home and ‘suited up’ for mowing. It was chilly but sunny so I knew I could handle it. The grass was high so it took a bit longer, and also took time to clean the mower after. I tried to weed whack but hadn’t gone to Hepler’s yet to get the replacement cap that holds the thread spool on, so it kept flying off. I guess that is tomorrow’s job. But the yard is much improved!

I grabbed pretzels and cheese for lunch, then picked up Autmn and Cameron. We had a fun day! I was holding him and had his teether, and he grabbed my hand. But instead of chewing the teether he was chewing my thumb – and I found his first tooth! It just broke through. We were so excited! It was good to spend time with him today. I missed seeing him!

It’s after 8:30pm and I just got back from taking them home, so this will be my post for the day. We have a shortened church service tomorrow so I should have time to get organized and pick up on the posts for vacation. Thanks for your patience!

My blessing today was spending the day with Cameron (and Autmn). He makes the day brighter.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Tomorrow April 21st is:

Advisor Appreciation Day; Big Word Day; Go Fly A Kite Day; International Hemp Day; Keep Off The Grass Day; National Crackers Day; National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day; National Chickpea Day; National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day; National Kindergarten Day; National Tea Day; National Yellow Bat Day; Thank You For Libraries Day; National Princess Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sharpie Day. And Charlie Brown would LOVE go fly a kite day. I like Chocolate Covered Cashews and tea but not a fan of big words. Never met a princess! Have a lovely Sunday and God Bless…

Getting back to reality was tough. I worked all day! And everyone was chatty and happy so it was a good – but long – day. I did not get to mow – too wet – but tomorrow IS another day!

I will start today with our vacation recap. I’ll do a little each day. So, here goes Sunday, the 14th. Kathy and Paul picked me up about 1:30pm, after church. I was packed and ready and had the house shut down and turned off. It was a chore getting everything into the car, but we did take everything but the kitchen sink! We had drinks and snacks and jackets and blankets and extra shoes and maps and phone chargers and suitcases and swim suits, and …. Well, you get it.

We drove as far as Connellsville and grabbed a quick burger at Wendy’s. We made decent time driving thanks to Paul, and got the the Comfort Inn in Abington VA about 7pm or so. We got everything inside then went across the road to Cracker Barrel for supper. We were tired and ready for bed and a good rest. It’s funny how tired you can get riding in the car most of the day!

My blessing for today is the terrific guys I work for. I’m thankful for them, every day!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 20th is:

Husband Appreciation Day; Lima Bean Respect Day; Look Alike Day; National Cheddar Fries Day; National Sharpie Day; National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day; National Stop Snoring Week; Record Store Day; Volunteer Recognition Day; National Auctioneers Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Defrost the Freezer Day – but go ahead and do it anyway. As for husband appreciation – I missed that boat! I can’t say that I’ve ever shown any respect for a Lima Bean. So — happy Saturday and God bless…

Well it’s 7:47pm on Thursday April 18th, 2024, and I am back home and settled in. It took me about 3 hours to get organized. I emptied the suitcases and bags, straightened out my finances, cleaned up the garbage, started the laundry, and put everything away. I will get something to eat (I’m spoiled now, eating every meal out for five days!), and cozy in.

Tomorrow or Saturday I will need to cut the grass – depending on the pending rain. I also need to run to work, both stores. And finish the laundry and do ironing. I think that will keep me busy for the weekend.

We had a marvelous time – and I was not ready to come home! We had such a wonderful week, and saw so many delightful things! I’ll go into detail about the trip over the next few days. Kathy’s favorite thing was the tulip beds – which were plenty! Mine were the Azalea gardens and the Jan Karon museum. Again, details over the weekend.

It’s good to be home – I love my house! – but I could have kept exploring new things and places for a few more days. Have a lovely weekend – more soon!

My blessing for today is the safe, wonderful week, and spending time with Kathy and Paul.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 19th is:

National Clean out your Medicine Cabinet Day; National Humorous Day; National Cat Lady day; National Defrost your Freezer Day; National Dog Parent Appreciation Day; National Garlic Day; National Hanging Out Day; Sylvester the Cat Birthday; National Dance Week.

On my last post, the fake national day was Red Car Day. Hanging Out Day actually encourages you to discover the benefits of hanging your laundry outside to dry. No garlic here, and I cleaned out my medicine cabinet before I left. So, happy Friday and God Bless!

What a blessing to wake up to sun shining in my window! I was up early since Paul wasn’t sure what time he was going to get here. I changed the sheets and threw them in the washer, then I went to explore the garage sale. That turned out to be nothing. Paul got here about 11am with Nicholas (his son) in tow, and sat about fixing the spring. He really put a lot of time and work into getting it installed. It works perfectly now, and is even quieter than it was. Second blessing of the day!

While Paul was working in the garage, I took inspiration from the ‘clean out your pantry’ suggestion. As is typical there were several items that had expired. I moved on to the downstairs freezer and then the upstairs freezer. Everything is so organized and roomy, and I even discovered meal ideas that I had totally forgotten about! I need to start eating that beef from Beef Day!

My next chore was to cut the grass. It was really high already. The bottom yard was pretty wet – I felt like I needed a surf board to cut near the fence. But it was just a small spot so I kept going. It’s all done and will keep the grass under control until I return.

Also my tulips are blooming!

Kathy sent me school pictures for Millie and Wyatt – so cute! Wyatt is in pre-school already!

Kelly sent me a photo of what the high waters did to their road. It’s falling into the creek! There is also a picture of Logan and Clairese volunteering for the Zach Williams Christian Concert in Wheeling. He had a great time!

I’ve already named several blessings from today. Another blessing is the feeling that comes from hard work and tasks well-completed!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW April 14th is:

Air Force Reserve Birthday; Americas Day; Good Deeds Day; International Moment of Laughter Day; National Red Car Day; National Dolphin Day; National Donate a Book Day; National Gardening Day; National Look Up at the Sky Day; National Pecan Day; Perfume Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Take a Nap Day. Tomorrow is also leave for vacation day. THAT means that there will be no Word Garden posts until I return. If anything worthy happens I’ll share it on facebook! Have a great week – God bless!

This was my message from Diane this afternoon:

I got in touch with my cousins last night to get advise on how to proceed with the garage door. Mark told me to call Paul, as Paul always ‘knew a guy.’ And Paul does, mostly himself! He stopped this morning on his way home from work and was able to disconnect the steel cables, unhook the connecting arm, and open the garage door! I backed the car out and it will stay there until I get things squared away. He’s going to check out how to get appropriate parts and let me know.

In the meantime, it’s still raining. Big surprise.

Kelly sent pictures of their yard last night, and an update this morning. Water is back in the creek, confined in its banks. We are still to have rain today but I think the worst of it is over.

I am ushering for Bear tonight at the Civic Center – it’s a kids’ performance. I’ll post when I get home.

From the show:

Tomorrow there is the first Yard Sale of the neighborhood a few streets over. If I don’t need to take a boat I may check it out!

My blessing for today is Paul – it’s amazing how lost one feels without transportation at the fingertips! Thank you, Paul!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 13th is:

International Plant Appreciation Day; National Catch & Release Day; National Make Lunch Count Day; National Take a Nap Day; National Peach Cobbler Day; National Scrabble Day; National Silly Earring Day; Thomas Jefferson Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Incandescent Bulb Day. The rain and the cloudy skies are making me want to take a nap – so I should make lunch count! Caffeine and chocolate to wake me up! I love silly earrings and have a great appreciation for plants. Have a happy weekend — God bless.

It definitely rained more in Jeannette last night than it did here. There were puddles all over the lot. But it wasn’t raining while I was out and about. I finished up in Jeannette then had about half an hour until I had to head down to meet Kelly at Cracker Barrel. She had Mary’s apron that she made. Thankfully she had a few hours to visit, so she picked up Autmn and Cameron and headed to my house, and I went to Greensburg to work. Then I stopped at Chick Fil-A and got lunch for everyone except Cameron. He did, however, try to eat the bag.

After Kelly left (Thanks again, Kelly! It really helped me out!), Cameron and I hung out and played and ate and he napped. We were also singing songs. When I quit singing he would start. It was very cute.

He’s definitely scooting all over the place. He loved his toys, and he really loves little details – like the duck’s bill and the frog’s string.

He was upstairs on a blanket making friends with the cow – and I gave him some Tupperware. He loved it! It’s the simple things in life, I think.

He apparently decided that he wanted to learn the fine art of house keeping. I heard a clank and turned to see that he was trying to use the dustpan! You go, guy!

West Alexander (where Kelly lives) is under a tornado watch this evening. They are really getting the storms over that way! I think we are under a wind advisory. She just txt me pictures and her yard is a river. They probably lost anything that was in the bottom yard. I feel devastated for them :*(

** This just in. About 2 hours ago we heard thunder, and then a loud crash-type sound. I thought the house was struck. I went out and looked around the house but it was all fine. So I went to take Autmn home and the garage door wouldn’t open and the lights kept flashing. Looks like the coil spring above the garage door snapped and the cables broke. I disengaged the auto glide for the door but it won’t budge. I can’t get the car out. So I’m captive for 3 days. I was supposed to work tomorrow and teach Sunday School Sunday morning. Not sure what to do next. I will call a repair company but doubt if they can come tomorrow. Will have to handle it when I get back! Bummer…. Nate came to pick up Autmn and Cameron.

Despite everything I’ll leave you with a bad joke: What kind of eggs to evil hens lay? DEVILED EGGS! haha —

My blessing today is for Kelly being here and for spending the day with Cameron (and AR). And that no one (or nothing) was damaged when the coil broke!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 12th is:

Big Wind Day; Cosmonautics Day; Day of Silence; D.E.A.R. Day; Hamster Day; International Day of Pink; National Fast & Prayer Day; National Incandescent Bulb Day; National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; National Licorice Day; National Only Child Day; Walk on Your Wild Side Day; Wear a Star Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Church Steeple Day. I could not be quiet for a whole day! I like licorice to a degree, and I love stars! So, we can celebrate a lot. Hope I’ll celebrate getting my garage door open! Here’s hoping… God bless…

It was a nice day until about 5:30pm – it got cloudy and now there’s a little rain sprinkling out there. I took the garbage up to the road – my feet got wet but otherwise I was fine. Snapped some flower pictures as I went.

Tomorrow after work I’m going to pick up Autmn and Cameron and bring them here to spend some time. I haven’t seen them since Easter and I was so busy that day I didn’t get to have my allotted baby time. Tomorrow will be a good day for a visit, since Friday and Saturday I will have to do laundry, packing, and hopefully get the grass cut. Oh! And Autmn sent me a video this morning of Cameron crawling! He’s such a genius baby – he’s just a bit over 6 months old!

Spent the better part of today cleaning and doing laundry. I’ll give it a quick once over on the weekend and it’ll be good! And Today is National Sibling Day – I love my sister!!!

My blessing for today is spring flowers! They are so cheery and happy. Still more to come.

Can I have two blessings? The other is, of course, my lovely, sweet sister!!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 11th is:

Barbershop Quartet Day; National Pet Day; Dog Therapy Appreciation Day; Grand National Day; National Cheese Fondue Day; National Clean Up Your Pantry Day; National Church Steeple Day; National 8 Track Tape Day; National Parkinson’s Day; National Ranch Water day; National Submarine Day; National Living Donor Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Contacts Day. Maybe I will clean out my pantry – it could use help. I still have several 8 track tapes but nothing to play them on. I’ve known (and even lost) several people with Parkinson’s, including Bill and Bud Smail. It’s an awful thing to deal with. I plan to stay out of submarines! God bless…

Another beautiful warm day – lots of sun. Good for the heart and soul! I had some things to do in Jeannette but nothing much in Greensburg. But Sir Rege and I solved (or tried to!) a lot of life’s issues before I left. It helps pass his day when he works late by himself. And now the day is over.

I stopped at Burlington on the way home – I don’t go there often, and I’m not sure why. They have nice selections and good prices. I bought a pair of jean capris and a white shirt. Very reasonable.

After lunch I started organizing my packing – snacks, jackets, extra shoes, outfits, phone chargers. I still have a list as some things that have to wait until the last minute. I asked Kathy if we were taking a U-Haul!

I mixed up a coffee cake so I had convenient breakfasts for the next few days. It’s 8pm and I’m done for the night except to grab a light bite.

Today my blessing is my bosses! They are so considerate, and kind, and honest. I’m thankful for them all!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 10th is:

Encourage a Young Writer Day; Global Work From Home Day; Golfer’s Day; National Safety Pin Day; National Contacts Day; National Bookmobile Day; National Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Farm Animals Day; National Hug Your Dog Day; National Sibling Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Mower Day. I didn’t make crescents, but I did make Cinnamon Coffee Cake. I love encouraging young writers. If I had a dog I would for sure hug it! And I love my sister and hug her all the time! Have a happy Wednesday and God bless…