It was a super cold and windy day. I ran out to get a few groceries and was chilled just buzzing from the car to the stores. I was finally able to find a big, soft perfect pillow for my downstairs couch to match the little ones. Daddy and babies! Long overdue – the old ones were about 15 years old and felt like you were laying on bricks…

I was inspired by the weather to make soup. Diane gave me some potatoes so I made cream of potato soup – Gen’s fabulous recipe! – and I’m really looking forward to having a bowl of that when I finish this post.

Without sounding rude – when a vehicle has a PD plate on the back, does that mean they are unable to use TURN SIGNALS???? Just asking —

One of my afternoon tasks was to get a few spots of white paint from the red bedroom carpet. I tramped them in there from a drip, I guess. I used this amazing product called ‘Home made simple’ – Lavender scent. All the spots came right out – even the one from 2 years ago when we painted that room! I highly recommend it. It’s a multi-purpose cleaner available about anywhere. Give it a try! (Commercial over…)

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt (Jan 10). Walking on Water. No matter what happens, we have to keep moving. Don’t stop. When you stand still it’s spiritual death. With everything going on around us in this country, remember that nothing has changed in the kingdom of God. Throw everything that entangles us off and run the race; fix your eyes on Jesus. 1) Run your race! Run with all of your soul, mind, heart and strength. 2) Learn from Peter – if you are afraid remember that God is on the throne. He is the great I AM and He’s got you! 3) Learn from Paul – He fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. 4) Learn from Joshua. Fear the Lord and serve him with faithfulness. Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Don’t add anything to your race. Fear God, Keep His commandments, (10 commandments and beatitudes) 5) Learn from Jesus. The greatest commandment is Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor as yourself. MOVE TO THE GOAL!

And just a word from last week’s message from Tim Jones – Touch is very important; vital to our health and attitudes. In these days of restrictions, remember that our only hope is in the touch of Jesus – we all need it. Jesus touched to heal and He can still touch us and make us whole!

On this day in 1938 Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN premiered; in 1901 Queen Victoria died at age 81, and Lyndon B. Johnson (36th President) died in 1973 at age 64. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy died in 1995 at age 104. In 2005 Donald Trump (45th President) married Melania Knauss. In 1561 Francis Bacon was born, and in 1645 William Kidd (Pirate) was born. Lord Byron in 1788 and Bill Bixby in 1934. And today my step-brother Dick Graves is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday Dick – many, many more, and enjoy your day!

TOMORROW January 23 is

• National Handwriting Day
• National Pie Day – my favorite is Apple! Warm with vanilla ice cream…. I’m open for donations 🙂

Have a hot tea, a bowl of soup, or something else to keep you warm. It will be a chilly weekend. God Bless!

Eighteen! Where did the years go, anyway? It seems like just yesterday I was rushing out of work (trying to escape from Jim Smail’s ‘state of the union’ for the dealerships address) to get to the hospital. I walked in about 5 minutes before she was born! She has grown and matured but along the way she has shared laughter and tears, good times and hard, being happy and sad. I’m so proud of the beautiful, smart, happy young lady she has become! Love you Autmn Rose! Happy Birthday! (sorry – photos are not in order!)

Today was busy, and I’m glad to be sitting here working on the Word Garden. Both stores were busy, and then both Mikes needed something, plus dropping a package off at Westmoreland Manor for Mom, then stopping at Diane’s to pick up some things – and grabbing a card for Autmn to go with her gifts — Whew! Had cake with the girls and their friends at Nate’s. I’m not a big Harry Potter fan (I saw/read the first one) but the cake was particular to the movie…

OH, and her birthday gift was her Harry Potter Tattoo – not sure what it means!

Today I will share Bram’s message – Christian unity. Not uniformity. The Holy spirit purifies us, and sets us apart for service for God. Christians are already unified – we need to show the world Christian unity so they may believe. Just like in a garden, there are different colors, different seasons – diverse but unified. Jesus is in us and we wants to be with us. 1) Jesus prays that we may be spiritually united as Christians 2) We should be channels of blessings to others. 3) Jesus will carry on His work through us. 4) Jesus prays that His love may fill our hearts and lives 5) He prays we may know His power in us. Jesus prays for unity. We are united through Him as one, yet diverse. That’s God’s plan!

On this day in 1846 the first edition of Charles Dickens’ newspaper THE DAILY NEWS was printed. In 1861 Jefferson Davis and 4 other southern senators resigned (Civil War). Agatha Christie’s first novel was published with Hercule Poirot (Mysterious Affair at Styles) in 1921. President Jimmy Carter pardoned (most) Vietnam War draft evaders in 1977, and in 1992 Bill Cowher became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cecil B DeMille died at age 77 in 1959. In 1824 Stonewall Jackson was born; Christian Dior in 1905, and Jack Nicklaus in 1940. And today (as hinted to yesterday) is Autmn Rose’s eighteenth birthday. Happy birthday, sweet girl, and many more!

TOMORROW January  22 is:

• National Blonde Brownie Day
• Celebration of Life Day
• National Sanctity of Life Day

We have the whole weekend ahead of us! Plan something safe and fun, or don’t plan anything at all but do something fun – just be safe! God bless…

These will be the last living room photos! Project officially complete! Everything is put in place, and subsequently scrubbed and dusted. It was fun working with Nate, and the house seemed so much more alive and vibrant with someone else here for a few weeks.

I was reading a book on my break this afternoon and came across this line: He was laid back to the point of being horizontal. I love it! Don’t you know someone like that???

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield today. It’s part of the ‘relationship busters’ series: Envy. Definition is resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another and the desire to possess that same advantage. Envy is not a gentle emotion and can be dangerous. It’s not just that you want what someone has; you also want the other person NOT to have it! Envy can lead to evil: Cain killed Abel; King Saul tried to kill David. We are usually envious of someone we know or are close to. Envy is always right there so be careful – it ‘rots the bones’. Don’t let it build and destroy you. You can overcome envy by recognizing it as an issue, praying, and being careful how you handle success, so as not to cause envy in another person.

On this day in 1869 Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to testify before congress. In 1945 F D Roosevelt was sworn in for an unprecedented (and never to be repeated) 4th term as president. In 1949 J Edgar Hoover gave Shirley Temple a tear gas fountain pen, and in 1982 Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a bat on stage in Iowa (My one question would be: WHY?????). In 2009 Joe Biden assumes office of Vice President; and today he was worn in as the 46th president of the United States. Let’s be true American’s – ‘that’s my president’. Buzz Aldrin was born in 1930. Johnny Weissmuller (TARZAN) died in 1984 at age 79, and Audrey Hepburn at age 63 in 1993.

TOMORROW January 21 is:

• National Granola Bar Day
• National Hugging Day – yea right. Just TRY to hug someone!!!!
• Squirrel Appreciation Day – I don’t think I have EVER appreciated a squirrel!
• Get to Know Your Customers Day 
• Autmn Rose’s 18th birthday! Sneak preview; more tomorrow!

Today is the first day of the next four years. What you do with it is up to you. It won’t change or go away and no one may even ask your opinion, Democrat or Republican. Pray, love, laugh, and rejoice! Again I say, rejoice!!!

I started the morning by being sworn in at the courthouse for my LAST four-year term as a Notary in Pennsylvania. I am very intimidated by the courthouse and was relieved to find everyone very kind and helpful. THAT’s over and I’m set until March of 2025!

We are winding down on the Painting Project. I was on my own today, so I pulled up the plastic, scrubbed the floors and the furniture while it was still empty, and started putting things to rights. Still have some trim work, curtains and photos – but we should finish that out tomorrow if all goes well. Lookin’ good! Thanks to my NATE!!!

My friend send me some photos of what they call a ‘health elf’ at their church. The ‘elf’ stands outside before every service and takes temps before anyone goes in. She goes out of her way to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable, and brings a little smile to everyone! Cute idea.

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. His messages are usually very hard to shrink down – he shares SO MUCH back story and information and so many scriptures. I feel like leaving anything out is just wrong. But today’s message was called SOUNDS FAMILIAR, and basically about how the pattern in families and in any nation/country repeats itself. Like a wayward cycle. All through time, God’s children keep turning from Him. By nature, we are constantly pulled down (like gravity) unless we intentionally push ourselves up. Like Samson in the Old Testament, we go to the wrong places, seek the wrong things, have the wrong focus. Samson went his own way, despite his upbringing. What we have to understand is to put the responsibility for that where it belongs. 1) Our children are sinners, because 2)ALL have sinned. 3) Although it appears that sin is on the increase, it always has been. There will be terrible times in the last days. 4) SATAN is the father of lies, and he is constantly pulling your child in. 5) Our world is against us. 6) Our kids have their own will. They can choose; it’s on THEM. We can raise, and exhort, and live by example, and pray – but God is not a vending machine. You can’t put prayers in, push the buttons that you want for your child, and that’s the way they will turn out. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE – even Samson turned back to God. Do not give up!

On this day in 1883 the first electric lighting system using overhead wires (build by Thomas Edison) began service in NJ. In 1955 the first presidential news conference was filed for TV (34th president – Eisenhower), and in 1961 the first episode of the Dick Van Dyke show was filmed. Hedy Lamarr died in 2000 at age 86 and Wilson Picket in 2006 at age 64. Robert E Lee was born in 1807, and Edgar Allen Poe in 1809 in Boston – we toured one of his homes (In Philly, actually) a few years ago. A very interesting man! Phil Everly (of Everly brothers) was born in 1939, Janis Joplin in 1943, and Dolly Parton in 1946. My friend Lynne Calisi-Varega is celebrating a birthday today – we have been friends for decades (although we are really not that old!!!) – I was in her wedding and we worked together at Smail’s. Happy birthday Lynne! Many more, my friend!

TOMORROW January 20 is:

• National Buttercrunch Day
• National Cheese Lover’s Day (Not a big cheese fan)
• National Disc Jockey Day.

Have a great day tomorrow – be kind, be happy, and be safe! God bless…

Snoopy would have said it was a dark and stormy night – but I’ll say it was a cold and snowy morning! However, it WAS a beautiful snow, and the roads were clear when I left for work.

The painting and trim is all done, except for touchup, and I don’t want to do that until the furniture is back in place and we’ve hung the pictures. Anytime you get me even NEAR a screw driver or a hammer the outcome is not good. I’m sure I will add a few spots to our touch up list by the time I’m done. Nate did a superb job and I’m very excited with the results, and the promise of perfection to come!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill from Sunday – Sanctity of Life. This is a subject that is hard to talk about and even harder to preach about. Life is precious, every life is priceless. God knit us together in our mother’s womb; from the very second of conception we were ‘life’. Unborn babies are not ‘Tissue’ – it’s a baby. Abortion activists want to keep God out of it, but God’s presence is there. If you consider an Eagle’s egg, it’s considered a bird; but an unborn baby is tissue. It’s not tissue, or a possession: It’s a CHILD. We as Christians 1) Must stand for morality 2) help heal broken lives. We are all sinners and are saved by grace. Show love and forgiveness just as Jesus did, and help hurting people find peace and grace and salvation. Respect human life – for the very beginning.

On this day in 1993 Martin Luther King Jr holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time. John Tyler – 10th president – (age 71) died in 1862; Rudyard Kipling (70) died in 1936; he got married on his 26th birthday. Daniel Webster was born in 1782, A A Milne (author of Winnie the Pooh books) was born in 1882. Oliver Hardy (of Laurel and Hardy comedy team) in 1892, Cary Grant in 1904, and Kevin Costner in 1955. My friend Liz is celebrating a birthday today. She worked in my office at Smail Auto, and was young and fun and a great worker! I miss seeing her! Have a great birthday Elizabeth Stape – and many more!

TOMORROW January 19 is:

• World Quark Day
• National Popcorn Day (I LOVE POPCORN!!!- plain, old butter popcorn!!)

Have some popcorn, be thankful for your life, and celebrate the day. God bless!

Today has been about the painting project from start to finish. I did the treadmill, baked the scones, and then helped Nate with a few odds and ends. Put a few things back in the closets after putting shelf paper liners on the shelves. Made tuna casserole for lunch, then cleaned out the CD’s, Cassettes, and Albums. Looking through the vinyls brought back memories. The Beach boys Christmas was the first album I bought with my own money when I was in high school. Ricky Nelson – well, what needs to be said??? And if you look really close on the Osmond Brothers album you can see my name written in pen…

It would take a very trained eye to tell the difference between the new paint color and the previous one. Very close. But everything looks so fresh and crisp. Just a little more to do then we can start putting things back.

I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning today. What did God want the Israelites to do, and why? WHAT: they (and we) are to keep his commandments, protect and live and practice them. Sometimes we are half-hearted in our service to God – Live life with your whole heart. Be strong – put on the armor of God. We have everything we need to live for Christ – God will equip us for every situation. Go in and overcome – take action to overcome. With God’s help you will change the dynamic. God doesn’t MAKE us do things; we CHOOSE. Possess – (Ownership) DO something with it! Include God in your life, use prayer and scripture. Pay attention to details and follow instructions (Bible). WHY?: to give us a full life, so we prosper and have peace and eternal life. Enjoy what he has provided, and the assurance of promises kept. He gives us everything we need to succeed.

On this day in 1773 Captain James Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle. Ben Franklin was born in 1706, Al Capone (Gangster) in 1899, and Betty White in 1922. She has the longest TV Career of a female entertainer to date. Jim Carrey was born in 1962, Michelle Obama in 1964, and Kid Rock in 1971. Rutherford B Hayes – 19th President – died at age 70 in in 1893, Juliette Gordon Low (founder of Girl Scouts) died at age 66 in 1927, and Bobby Fischer died in 2008 at age 64.

TOMORROW January 18 is:

• National Michigan Day (Let’s go – get a VISA from Gov. Wolf and we’re outta here!!!)
• National Peking Duck Day  
• National Thesaurus Day
• National Winnie The Pooh Day (Winnie is such a FUN Pooh!)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

A brand new week ahead of us. Have a great one – and do something nice for someone else! God bless.

It was very cold all day – snowed on and off but just a dusting stuck to surfaces. I opted for the treadmill this morning! Also mixed up a batch of scones and picked up a Jioio’s pizza for lunch. And brought Chrissy over for a while. She was drawing pictures in the snow on the deck, then huddled under her favorite blanket.

Nate started prepping and painting about 10am, and I had to run out and get a few project-related items. I bought a floor lamp, came home and put it all together — got to the LAST PIECE and the threads were stripped and it wouldn’t stand up! BACK to the store, but thankfully they had another one. Put it together and all is very well.

Got the ceiling done, and the closets, some trim — one coat of blue on the walls. Tomorrow is more blue, baseboards, a light above the door, and a smoke detector. THEN the immense task of putting it all back together. A project for sure, but one with wonderful results!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Trust and Faith. When the 12 spies went into Canaan, 10 said IT CAN’T BE DONE! But Caleb and Joshua said WE SHOULD TAKE POSSESSION! GIVE ME THE BALL! Ten thought it was impossible, and because of their lack of faith and trust, God made the the Israelites wander 40 years in the wilderness. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones that lived to see the promise land. Remember this: 1) There are more negative people in the world than positive. 2) Don’t listen to them! Keep getting up, and keep going. Success is determined by your attitude, so keep it positive, and have trust and faith.

On this day in 1870 Virginia was the 8th state readmitted after the Civil War, and in 1918 the 18th Amendment was ratified (Prohibition of alcohol). In 1941 US vice admiral Bellinger warned of an assault on Pearl Harbor.

TOMORROW is January 17 is:

• National Bootlegger’s Day
• National Hot Buttered Rum Day

Looks like a great day to grab a drink if you’re into that – I’m decidedly not! I’ll have a hot tea and fresh scones and listen to one of my seven ‘guys’! Have a great Lord’s day, as my mom would always say! God bless…

It was nice to take a walk outside this morning and get some fresh air. I really think the day got colder as it went – and now it’s cloudy and raining.

I got everything done in the Living Room and Hallway that I could. There is a screw stuck in the wall that I can’t budge so Nate will have to finish that one thing. I try to take everything possible out – even the stuff in the closets. Again, my spare rooms are piled high! Hoping I don’t need anything. The only thing in easy reach is the antibiotic cream and the bandaids – just in case!!! And the mop….

I will share Kyle’s message from January 3rd – I missed posting it. What are our expectations in 2021? Will it be better? Life always changes. So make a goal and work toward it with a POSITIVE attitude. What standard are you using to set your goal? If it’s Godly, you have a better chance of achieving it. Set yourself apart spiritually. There were 400 years of silence between the last chapter of the Old Testament and the book of Matthew. Something important and holy takes place when we wait. FAITH is waiting! Can you meet the goals you set? Trust God to meet them, and wait on the Lord, but be busy while you wait.

On this day in 1535 Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England. In 1895 Tchaikovsky’s ballet SWAN LAKE premiered. And in 2009 Chesley Sullenberger landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. All passengers and crew members survived in what became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”. Joan of Arc was born in 1412, and Lloyd Bridges in 1913 – I loved SEA HUNT!!! (And his sons Beau and Jeff are super cute). Martin Luther King Jr was born in 1929, and Charo in 1951.

TOMORROW January 16 is:

• National Fig Newton Day (Um, No. I’ll pass…)
• National Nothing Day
• National Religious Freedom Day
• National Without a Scalpel Day
• National Use Your Gift Card Day 

I can easily celebrate nothing, and religious freedom, and I can use my gift card. But not sure about the scalpel thing! I’ll spend tomorrow engrossed in my painting project. Have a happy Saturday! God bless…

Kath and I had a conference call this morning about Mom’s care plan. Seems everything is going well, and they filled us in on the plan and how she is doing. Work was fine, but a long day, as there were several things at each store.

The big deal for today is that the crown on my bottom right tooth popped off again. AGAIN! This was a ‘mess’ created by a previous inept dentist. Dr. Lane is working with me to try and resolve some of this, but I’m thinking he will suggest an implant. I don’t mind that, but it’s mostly NOT covered by dental insurance.

I just finished reading (as a first reader!!!) a new book from Elizabeth Bromke, called The House on Apple Hill Lane. I just love reading her books – she is such a talented writer! I think I have read all her books so far. I’m now on her ARC (advanced reader copy) list so I am very excited to read it before most of everyone else! I wholly recommend this book (first in a series) and the other series books that she has written. Look her up! It’s very much worth the read! Her characters are believable and interesting, and the story line is always complex enough to keep me from putting the books down! Can’t wait until the next one comes out in May!

I got a txt from my friend Diane this morning – her daughter Shannon made the front page of the Penn-Franklin news! She is participating in a program called ’12 for 12′ – Residents/friends of Murrysville are challenged to walk, run, or bike 12 miles on Murrysville trails in the first 12 weeks of 2021. I know that Shannon is a hiker – I’ve been with her and her mom a few times! Good luck to you, Shannon – keep us posted with your progress!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield Church about GOSSIP. (Things that hinder relationships). Gossip definitely breaks down relationships; once we say something it’s impossible to retrieve it. A gossip is a person who reveals sensational talk about others, often hurtful, and is one of Satan’s greatest tools. Gossip CAN be true, but it’s still hurtful and destructive. 1) What does it do? Separates close friends and tears down relationships; betrays a confidence. 2) Why do we listen to destructive gossip, then pass it on? We need to repent and seek forgiveness, and only speak words that build up, not tear down! Think before you speak!

On this day in 1960 the US Army promoted Elvis Presley to Sergeant, and in 1964 Jacqueline Kennedy made her first public TV appearance since JFK’s assassination; in 1967 Sonny & Cher released ‘And the Beat Goes On’. Edmond Halley (Halley’s Comet) died in 1742 at age 85, and Lewis Carroll (wrote Alice in Wonderland) died at age 65 in 1898. Humphrey Bogart died at age 57 in 1957. And in 1954 Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe. Mark Anthony was born in Rome in 83 BC, and Benedict Arnold in 1741. Two of my friends are having birthdays today. Lee Tobin McClain is another terrific author and a friend. I met Lee when she was the director of the Writing Popular Fiction Master’s Program at Seton Hill University, in which I was a student. She encouraged me and celebrated with me and I’m happy to call her a friend. Also, Jess Reckner, who worked with me at Smail’s for several years. We were talking one day about maiden names, and it turns out that she is the granddaughter of my dad’s best friend back when Kathy and I were growing up. Small world! Happy birthday to these two lovely ladies! Enjoy your day!

TOMORROW January 15 is:

• National Bagel Day
• National Booch Day
• National Hat Day
• National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

The best I can do in the hat department is to share the picture of mom in hers taken last June! Have a great weekend and do something safe and fun! God bless…

Just had a salad and garlic toast for supper. The day was fairly uneventful, as it goes. Treadmill, scrub bathrooms and kitchen, dust, sweep. Nothing out of the ordinary. Kath and I had a FaceTime visit with Mom, but she seemed more interested in a nap!

The one thing that frustrated me was that on Monday I took four packets to the post office to send out. I didn’t know how much postage to put on because of weight and size. They were all envelopes. Today in the mail I got one of them sent back to me, returned for postage. Now I ask you: Why did I take the trouble to go to the post office when they themselves put on the wrong amount? So tomorrow after work I have to make another trip to the post office. Sigh.

I got a txt message from my friend Gen this morning. Her mom passed away on Monday. She was 102. My heart goes out to those who are grieving, as they cannot be together in a celebration and remembrance of her life. But Jesus was standing there with his arms outstretched, waiting to welcome her as the angels rejoiced. As was her husband, son-in-law, and – as Gen said – her heavenly receiving line would be very long, people waiting to welcome her home! My prayers are with her family, who rejoice and mourn together.

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – Back to Basics. TRUTH is always true! 1) God loves you 2) God is faithful, and still works miracles. The basics are A) Affection – love God. It’s a choice. B) Behavior – keep his commandments. C) Chastening – God will chastise fairly to protect us – be open to his chastening. D) Demonstration – shows his greatness, which is beyond our comprehension. E) Examples – He shows us his power and care. F) Faithfulness – Build up your faith, as even the smallest amount is important and can move mountains. Start from where you are, and go forward back to basics.

On this date in 1962 Chubby Checker’s THE TWIST went #1 again two years after being #1 the first time. In 2020 Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement saying she reluctantly supported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wish to live a more independent life. Stephen Foster died in 1864 at age 37, Wyatt Earp at age 80 in 1929, and Hubert Humphrey (38th Vice President) died in 1978 at age 66. In 2006 “The Diary of Anne Frank” actress Shelley Winters (85) weds Gerry DeFord a few hours before her death. Rip Taylor was born in 1931, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus (of SEINFELD fame) was born in 1961. And my friend and boss at the Greensburg store, Joe Faddish, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Joe! Hope you had a wonderful day and the year ahead is delightful and successful!

TOMORROW January 14 is:

• National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
• Ratification Day

I don’t have any pets any more but here’s a picture of Tazz cooking dinner! Enjoy your Thursday – God bless!