The month went out with a bang. It was very busy, and a lot of stress. I was glad to be home. It rained all day – but tomorrow is supposed to be snow. Not sure I’m ready! But it’s 11pm and this will be short….
I don’t know where this is but it’s pretty!
As it was so late I didn’t get much else done. I sat on the couch by the ‘fireplace’ and paid a few bills, did some review of title work for a friend, and put the tree together. Hoped to get the lights on but didn’t make it that far. Tomorrow is another day, as Scarlett O’Hare would say!
Fireplace and Hallmark movies – and paying billsMy naked tree
On this day in 1982 Thriller was released by Michael Jackson, and in 1993 Schindler’s List premiered in Washington DC. Mark Twain was born in 1835; Winston Churchill in 1874, Lucy Maud Montgomery (wrote Anne of Green Gables – there you go, Beth S!!!!) in 1874, and Dick Clark in 1929. Oscar Wilde died at age 46 in 1900, Evel Knieval (69) in 2007, George H W Bush (41st President) in 2018 at age 94. And on this date in 1940 Lucille Ball married Desi Arnaz.
We are all done now but building and decorating the tree. I will start that tomorrow. Lots going on this week but it will be done by the weekend! Chrissy was here until just a few minutes ago, and although she didn’t do a lot of hands-on decorating she loves all of it! Here are a few photos of the almost-finished project:
KitchenLittle tree in the bathroomDresser in Crooks roomHall doorways (note Santa’s laundry!)Living room window – Nativity on the benchChina cupboard – notice how the LED lights reflect!Looking down the stepsLooking up the steps
This morning I took time to listen to Paul at River Hill, about God’s indescribable gift, which is Jesus. We do not have words in our language to actually explain who Jesus is. He’s indescribable because: 1) of His nature; walking among us. We know the physical aspects but we struggle with the spiritual, things we cannot see. God is all-knowing but we have limited knowledge. We can’t describe him, we try and fail. 2) of His purpose; To save us! He gave everything so we could have life. 3) of grace. We are in rebellion; we don’t want to do what God wants. He owes us nothing, but will give us everything. 4) of his effect on us. Our lives are different when we accept God’s gift. God forgets our sins – forever. We are part of God’s family and we’re given His peace. WE can’t describe Him, but we can THANK him for his indescribable gift!
Paul from River Hill
On this day in 1877 Thomas Edison demonstrated his hand cranked phonograph for the first time. Cary Grant died at age 82 (He was super funny in Arsenic and Old Lace!), and George Harrison (one of the Beatles – age 58) died in 2001. Louisa May Alcott was born in 1832 and C S Lewis in 1898. And a friend that I met through Ron at Sears – Mary Lou Kokoska – is celebrating a birthday today – happy birthday Mary Lou – Have a great day!
There’s a lot to celebrate tomorrow, in addition to it being the last day of November, 2020. We are only one month away from being done with the unpredictable 2020! God bless….
Productive day! I have way too much when it comes to decorations for this house. I didn’t even put it all up; I’d have to move out so there was room! But I was able to go through most of the boxes and pick out my favorite and important items and get them situated. I still have the inside lights to put up, and the window stickees and garland. THEN — I will set up and decorate the tree. Chrissy really wants to help with that so I’m going to plan everything around her if I can.
I decided to put up part of my little scene this year — and I put the little Snoopy figurines around the top of my computer desk. One of Kelly’s favorites is the snowman nativity (who happens to be sharing shelf space with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus!)
Christmas VillageThe little Snoopys – with Buddy the cougar looking over them.Snowman nativity and the Clauses
When Kelly was here on Thursday and the girls were here for a while, they asked Kelly to French braid their hair! So here are my two little pigtail gals – from the back!
Autmn and Chrissy with their French braids
Steve from Maplewood had a message about Last Things – Talking about the fact that in this coming Christmas Season we should realize that Jesus is King; why he came and what he did for us. And what his ultimate plan was from the moment he was born. He came to intercede for us from the ultimate Judgement, the separation of the saved and unsaved. Our lives touch more people than we can guess or know. We don’t stop to realize what’s going on every minute because life goes so fast. We don’t pay attention to details, and we miss so much! We should do the right thing, all the time; be on guard. Be filled with Christ. Give thanks for the good things and the hard things. God is with us in all circumstances; be thankful for each minute!
Steve from Maplewood
On this day in 1520 Ferdinand Magellan began crossing the Pacific ocean, and in 1895 American’s first auto race was held: 6 cars, 55 miles – average 7 mph! In 1932 Groucho Marx made his first radio performance, and in 1984 William Penn and his wife Hannah were made honorary US citizens more than 250 years after their deaths. Washington Irvin died at age 76 in 1859, and Jeffrey Dahmer (34) was clubbed to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1994. In 1582 William Shakespeare (18) married Anne Hathoway (26). And today is my sister’s very dear friend E.Anne Ketchen’s birthday. Any time she was visiting and we didn’t know what to do with something, we always asked E.Anne to hold it. And she always did! Happy birthday to a wonderful lady and tons of happy memories!
E.Anne on the right, my sister in the middle, and Susan on the left.
Today I hit the ground running – and not outside! After my shower and a piece of toast, I started outside. I put away all the fall things and tucked everything in their boxes. Then I took all the Christmas boxes (30 plus) off the shelves in the garage and spread them across the floor. The lights and decorations were all set outside by noon, and after lunch I started on the inside one box at a time.
Kelly helped me some, and we did the kitchen and all the Snoopy stuff, which gets scattered all over the house. Just now she set up the ceramic nativity that my mom made for me well over 40 years ago. It’s a highlight of my decorations. With that box, I am calling it a night. We had Abie and Bimbo’s pizza for dinner so neither of us had to cook or clean up. There are plenty of leftovers for tomorrow.
And even though this is a boring post, I’m really done. Every muscle aches. I am not quite half done, and that doesn’t count the tree! That goes up last, and always while I’m watching White Christmas.
Have a satisfying Saturday, my friends, and I will try to catch up with some fun posts once the hard labor is finished! God bless…
The turkey is in the oven and it smells so GREAT that I want to eat some RIGHT NOW! Patience, patience… But in lieu of my traditional postings, I am going to share some fun facts about Thanksgiving. Hope you learn something!
My turkey doesn’t look like this!!!!
The first thanksgiving celebration was in 1631 and it lasted 3 days – 50 Pilgrims, 90 Indians, but only 5 women! Turkey wasn’t on the menu. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863 – why? Because Josepha Hale (wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb) convinced Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday after writing letters for 17 years. Four towns in the US are named ‘Turkey’: Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina. Average # of calories consumed at a Thanksgiving meal is 4500. Butterball answers more than 100,000 turkey-related questions on their turkey hot-line in November and December.
Depiction of first ThanksgivingJosepha Hale – called the mother of Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving football game was in 1876 between Yale & Princeton; first NFL games in 1920. 54 million Americans are expected to travel this year during the Thanksgiving weekend (up from last year). A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was first aired on November 20, 1973. Ben Franklin wanted our national bird to be a turkey!!! Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 1924 and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Snoopy has made the most appearances in Macy’s parade, between 1968 and 2015, then again in 2019. Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving Day song.
You go, Snoopy!
46 Million turkeys are cooked every Thanksgiving. Eating turkey DOESN’T make you tired (???). George H W Bush was the first president to pardon a turkey in 1989. Black Friday is the busiest day for plumbers!!!
One lucky bird!!!
On this day in 1865 Alice in Wonderland was published, and in 1942 Casablanca premiered in NYC. In 1985 Random House bought Richard Nixon’s memoires for $3,000,000. (Who said there wasn’t money to be made in writing memoires???). Our beloved and esteemed Charles Schulz was born in 1922 and Robert Goulet in 1933 (my Mom’s favorite!). And in 1962 Tina and Ike Turner were married.
Charles Schulz’s PEANUTS gang! Thank you, Mr. Schulz!!!
I’m pretty sure all of us have someone we would love to have around our table today but circumstances prevent that. We can pray for God to give us joy and peace in our hearts and know that He is still on the throne, and in control! So have a beautiful, thankful day, however you celebrate. God is good, and gives all good things! We can be thankful every single day – God bless —
Of course – one month from today is Christmas day but TOMORROW is THANKSGIVING day! Turkey is soaking in cold saltwater in the kitchen sink. Everything is as ready as it can be until the little fellow is stuffed about 3am. We did a little cleaning today and some laundry, but with all four kids here (Autmn, Chrissy, Chase and Logan) it’s a continuous chore to keep up. Logan mentioned wanting to help decorate so I pulled out the big Snoopy, the reindeer, and the projector for the front. Then he decided he’d rather not! I did get it all put out, but the projected isn’t pointed well. It’s raining so I’ll adjust it the next dry night after dark.
Waiting his turn to come out!All set!
Today I will share Paul’s message from River hill. Thanksgiving! We need to gain a better perspective and count our blessings. We are rich in blessings – are we thankful? Being thankful equates to being at peace. We should have songs in our heart that have to be sung! Appreciate your blessings and say thank you, despite when stress and distress overshadows thankfulness. God loves us and showers us with blessings daily. You are where God wants you to be – you need to be willing to serve him and give thanks in EVERY circumstances. Jesus gives us peace and comfort in all situations. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. A critical spirit keeps us from being thankful, but Jesus is always with us – he’s alive inside of us and is our savior and protector. GIVE THANKS!!!
Paul from River Hill
On this day in 1963 JFK was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835, Joe DiMagio was born in 1914; JFK Jr. was born in 1960, and Barbara & Jenna Bush (twin daughters of President George W Bush) were born in 1981. In 2002 Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce.
As Bud would have said (and Ron reminded me) one month from today is Christmas Eve! I’m sticking to Thanksgiving right now- and I am thankful for my family being here that I could enjoy them for more than one day! Kelly has been busy making hats and the kids are competing in the video games that never end. It is just very fun to all be together, to watch everyone doing what they enjoy, and having fellowship together. Kath and I are going for a window visit to see mom in an hour and I’m glad to have that opportunity. And to all of you who read these posts, I am thankful for you as well!
Hats! The pumpkin one looks best on me – but my favorite is the green Christmas bulbVideo junkies!Amen and amen!
I listened to Micah today, and thanks to Gwen for being faithful to send me the links. His message was to give thanks for everything – EVERYTHING! – every day. We don’t have to like it or understand it – just give thanks. God does not want sacrifices, but for us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Micah said that we spend Thanksgiving day reflecting on all we have and then Black Friday saying GIVE ME MORE – and at a discount! We need to focus on 1) He is God and He is good – we should make a joyful noise, joyfully serve, and joyfully sing. Reflect on the provisions he gives; he always meets our needs, and his truth endures for generations. Thanksgiving should be a manner of living not a day of celebration; a lifestyle, not at event. Be thankful every day … for everything!
Micah from Old Mahoning
On this day in 1784 Zachary Taylor – 12th president – was born, as was Todd Beamer in 1963, hero on Flight 93. Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed two days after killing JFK in 1963.
This will be a week of change. I will change my routine, change my schedule, change my meals. And it will be a fun relief! I did have to work this morning, then came home and we all had lunch together. Kelly and I went shopping for a few missing necessities (food-related) that the boys and she were craving, along with paper plates to reduce the workload! We did laundry and supper and I listened to Bram and Steve. Kelly was making cute little hats to wear to keep her short-haired head warm, Logan was watching his favorite YouTube video-ers, and Chrissy and Chase were playing Minecraft. So everyone was settled in. And I’m typing.
Kelly and her yarn projectsLogan watching YouTubeChrissy and Chase – gamers
Got a very welcome and fun card in the mail today from Ron in Florida. That’s just a little too far away for comfort…. Miss you!
Bram’s message was entitled WHATEVER. He was talking about being thankful, as it’s more than one day or a feeling. It’s a way of life. It’s not what you get that determines our quality of life; it’s how you interpret what you get. Thanksgiving encompasses our whole life. How does our relationship with Jesus reflect what we choose to do, say, or watch on television? Always remember the goodness of God and be thankful. And the WHATEVER? Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Bram from First Baptist
On this day in 1921 US President Warren G. Harding signed Willis Campell Act (anti-beer bill) forbidding doctors prescribing beer or liquor for medicinal purposes. In 1923Cecil B. DeMille‘s first version of “The Ten Commandments” premiered in the USA. In 1963LBJ proclaimed Nov 25 a day of national mourning (for JFK). In 2018 Justin Bieber married Hailey Baldwin. In 1804 Franklin Pierce – 14th President – was born; Billy the Kid (American outlaw) was born in 1859; Boris Karloff in 1887, and Miley Cyrus in 1992. And joining them today is my friend from high school, Debby Yanosko Gretz. From performing a routine to LEMMON TREE in gym class in 9th grade (or thereabouts) to high school reunions to Concerts in the Park at St. Clair Park, Debby has been a friend. Have a great day, Debby, and a wonderful year!
Have a terrific Tuesday – I’m staying at home with my family and enjoying a mini vacation! Tomorrow’s tasks are making Hershey Kiss pretzels with M&Ms, and maybe having Logan help put up the Christmas deer. Enjoy your day! God bless…
I took a longer early morning walk – it wasn’t too chilly but also wasn’t sunny. Had oatmeal for breakfast then went to church. Mike’s message was how to give thanks. We need to thank God for his provisions – we often forget to thank him or complain because it’s not our perfect choice. Also we must learn to thank God in the ‘even though’ times. Read Psalms 23:4. When things don’t go well, He still takes care of us – He prepares us daily for what will happen in our life. We get strength by going through trails and recognizing the presence of God. We need to give thanks in spite of our trials – Remember that Satan is the enemy; GOD is the refuge, and he’s always there. God deserves our thanks and praise, no matter our circumstances.
Mike at Hempfield
After church I came home and cleaned up from the bread baking yesterday, then made a fresh pot of potato soup. It felt like the day for it. I let it simmer a little and had a grilled cheese with homemade bread for lunch – and am still too full to eat supper at 6:30pm! Kelly and the two younger boys are on their way up to spend time until Thanksgiving, so it will be a busy, full week for all of us. Not sure how much time I will have to post – but have a wonderful week whatever you are doing!
On this day in 1803 Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt got engaged. In 1963 John F Kennedy, 35th president, was assassinated in Dallas Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald. I was sitting in 7th period study hall when the school office made the announcement over the intercom. Then, of course, Lyndon B Johnson was immediately sworn in as the 36th president of the United States. In 1984 Fred Rogers presented a sweater to the Smithsonian Institute. And in 1995 Toy Story was released. Abigail Adams – 2nd first lady – was born in 1744 and Rodney Dangerfield in 1921. CS Lewis died at age 64 in 1963, and Mae West in 1980 at age 87.
None of those really interest me, although I will eat the occasional Cashew. Celebrate any way that you choose, but remember to be thankful! God bless…
Today has been a day of chores and errands. Changing and washing bed sheets, mixing up bread dough from Grama Crooks’ recipe, finishing up the grocery shopping for next week, doing the ironing. Getting a balance in the checkbook (sad….). But, it’s CHRISTMAS!! Shopping to be done, gifts to be bought. Love wrapped in love!
Home-made bread dough rising….
Kelly told me yesterday that she was named Leader of the Year for the Ohio County 4H! I’m so proud of her! And that being in the midst of three surgeries and DOZENS of Pittsburgh doctor visits and trips to the hospital. So here is to my talented and sacrificial daughter! Kudos! In THEIR words (posted on facebook):
WVU Extension Service-Ohio County “There are no office hours for leaders.” –Cardinal J. Gibbons This dedicated leader knows no hours when serving the youths and leaders in Ohio County. She not only dedicates herself to the Shooting Sports as the Organizational Leader of the special interest club, but she also serves as an Assistant Leader to the Creeks 4-H Club, and she serves as the secretary for the Leaders Association. Outside of 4-H she serves her church, a local group for young ladies and teaches at a homeschool co-op for which her three boys are a part of. She takes accurate minutes, reports for instructors and serves as a role model for everyone she meets. Her dedication and overwhelming kind heart make her an amazing mother, friend, and leader. Kelly Hancher is your 2020 Ohio Co Outstanding Leader. Thank you Kelly!
Kelly (with Chase)
I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry – Give Praise and Thanks always to God. God commands us to give thanks. Why? It’s vital to our spiritual journey. Thanksgiving helps us to be more compassionate. We can say our glass is half full or half empty, but we really should be saying, ‘My cup runneth over’. God leads us through hard times; we need to remember the good gifts God gives us. Always give thanks; God’s blessings are abundantly generous. We need to give thanks and to give back; give as much as you are able, and beyond.
Rod at Martin’s Ferry
On this day in 1931 the horror film Frankenstein was released, and in 1976 “Rocky” premiered in New York (we saw the statue when we were in Philly!!!). In 1987 Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were married. As for birthdays, my fellow 1968 Hempfield grad (and former Smail co-worker) Ralph Kercheval is celebrating today, and Matt’s Aunt Trish has a birthday today, and my cousin’s son Aaron does as well. Happy birthday – celebrate and enjoy your day and a brand new year!
Aaron and the pupAunt TrishRalph and his grandsons
Tomorrow starts Thanksgiving week. Even with limitations and sacrifices and viruses, we have so much to be thankful for! Be sure to recognize that, every day! God bless…
Recent Comments