Today was Free Museum Day in Ligonier, in addition to being National Museum Lover’s Day. I will share today’s adventures and catch up from the tea tomorrow. It’s easier when today is still fresh in my mind.

We woke up to rain, and it stayed wet the first few hours. Kelly and I went to Sunday School and taught the Prodigal Son lesson. Jackson thought it was a very sad story. So we went over it again and I explained about how the younger son did make some wrong choices and ended up alone and broke, but he decided he was sorry and went home to the Father. I believe it gave them something to think about. God loves us – if we just turn to him as His child!

So Kelly and I left after Sunday School and headed to Ligonier. The closer we got the less rain we had. It was still cloudy and overcast but not breezy or wet. We had packed a few pieces of leftover pizza and some water, with the intention of stopping at The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown for dessert. Which eventually we did.

Our first stop was The Lincoln Highway Experience. I do like stopping there. I enjoy watching the movie about how the highway was built, and all the history and sights along the way. Like, the Coffee Pot, and Ship Hotel, Serro’s Diner, and the little rental A.B.C. Motel cottages. I love seeing the replica of the Ship Hotel and remember stopping there with my family as a child; the views were amazing. On Free Museum Day Serro’s Diner even has free pie and coffee/water. Kelly got a poster for Logan of a classic car. Don’t ask me which one!

By now it had totally stopped raining and the sun was trying to peek out. We drove up to Laughlintown to the Compass Inn – an 1800’s stagecoach stop. I am actually friends with a woman whose family owned the Inn and helped restore it. There are several outbuildings, and today they had a blacksmith demonstration, cooking, children’s games, and docents in all the other sites. The cook had made a pot pie that looked delicious!

We walked across the street to a little craft and gift shop. I bought a candle bulb that is scented, and two small sample soaps. Next we went to The Pie Shoppe. I bought two cookies and a maple iced cinnamon roll, and a package of Snails (cinnamon dough cookies). Kelly bought an M&M cookie. I ate one cookie with my lunch and brought everything else home.

The parking lots at Ft. Ligonier were all full, and we drove around the block several times before we found a little space just a block up. We timed our arrival well, as the French troops were presenting a demonstration on the side lawn. They also set off a volley. There were guides stationed in all the buildings and interpreters to explain military life in the 1700’s, including in the Officer’s quarters and the surgery and the barracks.

After we walked around outside we went into the museum and looked at the displays there. My favorite is always the time line of the forts that were built – like Bedford and Littleton and Duquesne and Ligonier. I also like the documentation of the archeology digs and celebrations in the last 60-70 years. Hard to believe those were in my lifetime!

We headed home after that, and got all the way into Greensburg before it started raining again. There was enough sunshine for me to plant the forsythia that Roxanne gave me yesterday and relocate the hidden azalea that Chase uncovered on Friday. I pulled a few weeds (very few!) while I was at it. Now — rain again.

Kelly and Chase left about 7pm, right when it started to rain and thunder! They had to pick Peyton up at work in Eighty-Four (PA). I have an email to answer and will probably grab a slice of leftover pizza to end the day. We really had a nice day – no rain during museum time, took our leisure, and saw a few people we knew. It was relaxing, interesting, and historical! Really worth going!

My blessing today was spending time with Kelly, doing something we both enjoy!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 6th is:

International No Diet Day; Melanoma Monday; National Beverage Day; National Nurses Day; National Open Farm Day; National Tourist Appreciation Day; National Dark Sky Day; Deaf Awareness/Sign Language Week; Screen-Free Week; Westminster Dog Show.

Yesterday’s fake day was Lilac Day. I know Kathy and her fellow staff will be celebrating deaf awareness. I can do without a diet tomorrow but I won’t be able to go without a ‘screen’! Have a great week and God bless…

Today was a long, busy day – but very rewarding and fun and productive! It was our semi-annual Victorian Tea at Historic Hanna’s Town. Two of our key players were missing from the committee and we all stepped up to the task. Well done, friends! Especially to Priscilla for her guidance and to Roxanne for holding me up!

I will post details and pictures either tomorrow or Monday. Tomorrow is Free Museum Day in Ligonier so Kelly and I have planned to do that. So I will catch up asap.

My blessing for today was a well-executed Victorian tea and all of us who worked together to make it happen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 5th is:

Cinco de Mayo; Blessing of the Bikes; Museum Lover’s Day; National Lilac Day; Nail Day; National Astronaut Day; National Cartoonists Day; National Lemonade Day; World Laughter Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Daisy Day. Kelly & I are for sure celebrating Museums, and my favorite cartoonist, who is — you guessed it! Charles Shultz! God bless… (Take time to laugh a little!)

Started the morning at the post office sending off a Letters to Mary book to my step sister-in-law SJ from South Carolina. She lent her copy out and never got it back. The internet was done and none of their equipment was working. It finally popped up and I was able to send the book out.

Then I stopped at Sheetz to get a gift card as a thank you for my mower guy. I made it to Hanna’s Town just as Kelly called me about a car they found for Logan. We spent the next hour getting information on title requirements, but thankfully it worked out. Logan actually bought and paid for this car all on his own. Proud of you, buddy!

As I was tied up all morning, my friend Teresa picked up Chase for me and dropped him off at the house. Gigi got her picture taken with Arnold Palmer at the airport, and again with Chase at my place. She’s a popular little pup.

We got everything organized for the tea tomorrow. It will be a long day but hopefully everything will go smoothly. We even got to talk to Claudia – she’s being released tomorrow, which is great news. Her surgery was Thursday.

Chase was settled in and comfy, so I went out and worked in the garden. I cut back the dead branches of the shrub under the steps, pulled the rest of the weeds, and cleaned out around the lilacs along the fence. I also planted two cuttings from my bridal bush and two from my lilac bushes, and a forsythia starter that I found at Aldi.

This is the Bonsai tree that Chase and Aunt Kimmie made out of Legos. There are pink branches so it can bloom in the spring, too.

Then I came in and made cream of potato soup and a frozen pizza (his request!) for Chase. I’m bushed. No pun intended.

My blessing for today was having Teresa pick up Logan. That saved Kelly a trip up from W. Alex, saved me from leaving the Tea team short handed, and allowed Chase to spend a few days hanging out here.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 4th is:

45 Day; Anti Bullying Day; Beer Pong Day; Daisy Day; Free Comic Book day; National Herb Day; International Respect for Chickens Day; Kentucky Derby; Naked Gardening Day; National Fitness Day; National Scrapbooking Day; Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!!); Bird Day; Start seeing Monarchs Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Brewed Tea Day. I think my favorite day for tomorrow is Respect for Chickens. I wonder how many people will do their gardening in the nude? Of course, everyone should celebrate Star Wars! Here’s my tribute to Bird Day – God bless…

Today is my friend Mary’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY! I hope your day was special and you felt loved and happy!

It’s 8:30pm and I just came in. To be fair, I didn’t go outside until about 5pm. First of all, I had a full work day. Then I had groceries to get and errands to handle. Still have two to do tomorrow. I did stop at Aldi and got a new garden kneeler. It’s like getting a Cadillac kneeler for a Hyundai price! They are very nice. Mine was falling apart.

Chase is coming tomorrow to spend the weekend so I made chocolate chip muffins and mixed up some grape Kool-Aid. I’ll be gone half a day tomorrow setting up for the Hanna’s Town tea, and all day Saturday until 4pm. So I wanted something for him to eat that he didn’t have to fuss with.

The big news is that Autmn passed her Driver’s Test! I prayed all day for her – and God is good — all the time! And since she’s over 21 she gets a ‘big girl license’. Cameron, however, is still working on his Learner’s Permit…

I got the left side of the hill done. The plants are filling in nicely but still have a ways to go. I finished that last corner and then did under the deck in the back. That didn’t take long, but getting under the steps was uncomfortable. One thing at a time!

My blessing today was that Autmn passed her test. I’m very thankful as she really needs it to get a job and stepping into the rest of her life!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 3rd is:

National Paranormal Day; National Public Radio Day; National Two Different Color Shoes Day; Sun Day; Wordsmith Day; Kentucky Oaks; Lumpy Rug Day; National Brewed Tea Day; National Chocolate Custard Day; National Garden Meditation Day; National No Pants Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Take a Hike Day. As for tomorrow, Wordsmith Day is cool – and I kind of like two different colored shoes. But I won’t consider not wearing pants. Have fun, and God bless…

Well, here we are – May Day! I hope little kids all over the country celebrated with a Maypole dance. So exciting to make those memories.

I alternated my day by reading chapters in the second Mitford book and cleaning the house. Right now I am waiting for the dryer to finish so I can fold towels.

After I finished cleaning I went down on the hill and almost finished the left side. Just one little corner to do.

And the horses on the hill just stood around munching…

Not a very exciting day to write about, but a productive day! The rest of the week will be on a fast track. I’m ready…

My blessing for today was just spending a bit of time outside. The fresh air and the breeze felt refreshing.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

National Baby Day; Brothers and Sisters Day; Harry Potter Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Day of Prayer; National Play your Ukulele Day; World Password Day; National Truffle Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Trash Day. Above all, take time out of your day tomorrow to spend time in prayer. Our families, our nation, our health — and also thankful for our Salvation. God bless…

The day did start out sunny and warm, but the rain eventually came. But first I worked both stores. Jeannette put me through the paces, as there were complications with everything I attempted. I was home by 11:30am and jumped right into yard work. The grass really needed to be cut, so I decided to forego pulling weeds and cut before the rain hit. I got the grass cut and weed whacked and the walks and driveway blown clean.

I stopped long enough to have lunch – leftover pot pie that was in the freezer. Yum! My neighbor was outside walking one of his dogs, so we chatted on the street for a bit before I went back inside and got out the rest of my summer clothes. I was wondering why I didn’t have any summer yard work clothes, and then I remembered that I only unpacked the summer clothes that I needed for vacation.

I had made a note to remind me to change the photos on the fridge. I liked seeing the old Crooks springhouse pics but I missed having my little family on view. I left the two original springhouse pictures that Aunt Hazel and Mom had sent me ages ago, and added a picture of Biltmore. Then I added Cameron, a young Kathy & I, Nate’s group several years ago, and the Hancher family when the boys were very young. I’m happy with it – for now!

Today is my friend Teresa’s birthday – Hope you have a happy day spending it with Gigi!

It’s 6:30pm and I could probably ‘force’ myself to pull weeds for an hour – but I actually don’t want to! I need a break. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

My blessing for today was mowing with my totally serviced mower – and I even took time to hose it off and clean it before I put it away. Brian would be proud of me!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 1st is: ( There was a very long list – here are a few!)

Blessing Day (my favorite!); Frequent Flyer Day; Global Love day; National Trash Day; Great American Grump Out; International Doodle Dog Day; Learn to Ride a Bike Day; May Day; Mother Goose Day; National Loyalty Day; Phone in Sick Day; Zombie Awareness Month; National Interpreters Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Hopping Day. Take time tomorrow to count and appreciate your blessings! Maybe read some Mother Good rhymes, and probably avoid calling in sick! My favorite interpreter is of course my sister. Have a happy day and God bless…

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of April 2024. One-Third of the year will be over, and where – exactly – did it go?

I worked at both stores today but neither were busy for me. They had a steady flow of customers but those deals aren’t ready for me yet. I was home by 10:30, had a quick snack, and headed to weed the hill. I worked for an hour but it was very hot, so I took a break, made lunch and read inside for half an hour.

There was more of a breeze when I went back out. I put on some sunscreen and got back at it. At about 4:30 I called it quits and switched gears – I washed the car. That was good for cooling off.

Now I’m inside and having a pretzel until I can make dinner. I still have clothes in the dryer to fold and iron, as well. And I forgot to mention yesterday that a friend of mine from Hanna’s Town (their longest and oldest volunteer!) passed away on Sunday. She was 85. She was the tea ‘ queen ‘ – mixed up the spiced teas and hosted the semi-annual Victorian teas that are so popular. She will be dearly missed – she was a beloved and valued member of our team. It won’t be the same moving forward.

A little bunny just hopped past my door and up the steps!

Blessing today was beautiful weather! I love being outside. I just noticed that the weather on my computer toolbar said strong winds coming. Hmmm.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 30th is:

Day of the Child Day; Hairstyle Appreciation Day; National Hopping Day; Healthy Kids Day; Honesty Day; International Jazz Day; Mr. Potato Head Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Bugs Bunny Day; National Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Tie Dye Day; National Raisin Day; National Military Brats Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Red Door Day. We had Mr. Potato Head when we were growing up – but we used the pieces with real potatoes! It’s important to be honest, and why not have an oatmeal raisin cookie? Did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Enjoy – and God Bless..

Happy 18th birthday Christina Kelly! Can’t believe so many years have passed. She’s accomplished so much, and grown to be a lovely young lady. Can’t wait to see what’s next for her!

But first, Church and Sunday School. Our lesson was from Luke 15, the lost sheep and the lost coin. We had Ben and Max today, and even though they appeared fidgety and restless, they could recite both stories the whole way through with complete details! Kids must learn differently these days.

Todd was away performing a wedding for old friends from out of state, so Wayne had the message this morning. It was about maintaining spiritual momentum. Some hints that help us accomplish this: Anticipate God’s blessings, and don’t turn back. When we first start out everything seems fun, but we eventually slow down. Don’t be fooled – God’s power is at work. Look to the past, as it teaches us, Hang out with people who are on fire for God, and get rid of what hinders us from keeping on until we finish; remain faithful and keep your eyes on Jesus.

After church I caught up on the ironing, then headed to the Herminie bowling lanes for Chrissy’s party. There were snacks, and pizza, and two cookie cakes and balloons. Everyone who bowled had a good time.

Cameron liked the colored flashing lights and the glow necklaces that everyone wore. He certainly had enough attention.

Chrissy got several really nice presents, including a few things for her dorm room in the fall at Point State University. And money! Always a fun thing to get!

When I got home I changed clothes and spent about 2 hours on the hill. I got the top half totally done. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll start on the bottom half. My leg muscles are sore from balancing on the steeper part of the hill.

My blessings for today were numerous – spending time with my family, getting baby hugs, and seeing Christina glowing (in more ways than one!) and happy! AND… the chocolate chip cookie cake. My favorite!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 29th is:

Day of Trees; Red Door Day; International Dance Day; National Peace Rose Day; National Shrimp Scampi Day; National Supply Chain day; National Zipper Day; Viral Video Day; World Wish Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Drink More Water Day – although drinking water is important every day. Tomorrow, hug a tree, then dance! I WISH you a wonderful, new week. God bless…

I’m am SO exhausted. I’ve been on a marathon weed pulling adventure and I ache all over! Whew – and I’m not done yet. Not HALF done yet.

This morning I took Autmn and Cameron to his doctor’s appointment. He had a reaction to something and had a diaper rash that was pretty nasty. The doctor said Autmn was doing all the right things and just keep it up – and watch certain foods, at least until it heals up. He now has two front teeth!

She had plans today, so I took them home after the appointment. Then I zipped out to the mall and exchanged my accidental purchase. It sure was busier today than yesterday and I even got there right when it opened! Glad that’s done. After Cheerios for lunch I got back to weeding the hill. I got about 2/3rds of the top section weeded. It doesn’t look impressive from the picture but it took a lot of pulling and balancing.

I quit weeding after about 2 hours and got the rest of the yard decorations out. That took a long time and a lot of trips from the shed, but the little yard cart that I got for Christmas was really a blessing. No carrying or lifting! When that was finished I planted the yellow tulip Kathy gave me (they can’t plant in her neighborhood – HOA) and moved a Hosta that was crowded out.

I made a salad for supper – so now here is the end of Vacation. We left Mt. Airy and headed north on Route 77. We grabbed a quick lunch at McDonalds because we couldn’t find a Chick Fil-A. When we stopped for gas later we got a small snack. I bought an orange sherbet push-up. I don’t think I’ve had one of those in several decades. It was just enough, and very nostalgic!

We made a short stop at New River Gorge. No one wanted to walk down and then back up all those steps, so we just stayed at the overlook and took pictures.

We knew we were getting close home when we passed the Fayette County Fair Grounds – and then soon we were on Route 119 and ready to get off the exit. We got home about 4:30 – and it took me a few hours to get everything sorted and put away and laundry done.

It was a wonderful vacation, and I was NOT ready to come home! It was laid back and low key and we enjoyed everything we did – such a variety. Lots of history. I’m ready to go again – anywhere!

My blessing for today was seeing Cameron, and getting baby snuggles, and watching him laugh and try to tear apart the paper on the exam table! I love those guys!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 28th is:

National Clean Comedy Day; Global Pay it Forward Day; Great Poet Reading Day; National Blueberry Pie Day; National Drink More Water Day; National Cubicle Day; National Pet Parents Day; National Super Hero Day; National Small Business Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Chickadee Day. Tomorrow Christina turns 18! I plan on going to her party. Probably cake but no blueberry pie. God bless!

Second half of vacation day -Wednesday April 17th. We left Hudson and drove the hour to Mt. Airy, AKA Mayberry. We drove straight to the Museum and were excited to have time to go through it in the afternoon. I would sort of compare it to the Lucille Ball museum when we went to New York a few years ago. There was SO MUCH to see, and even lots to listen to. There were snippets and clips from the show at certain displays, and actual props and artifacts from the series.

We left the museum and went in search of food. What better place to eat than the Mayberry Drive-In? The food was great and reasonably priced. It had been a long time since breakfast! The proprietor was so nice – he unlocked the police car for us to take pictures, and even gave us coupons and pamphlets about the town.

We found a nice motel to spend the night, and there was an indoor pool. Kathy was in her happy place! We were the only ones in the pool area and it was warm and relaxing. Nice way to end the evening – Full stomach and a swim!

After a nice breakfast at the motel, we headed back into town and drove past the house that Andy Griffith grew up in. It is now a rental for tourists and vacationers.

Continuing into town, we went to the Mayberry Courthouse. It was set up as the Sheriff’s office and the two jail cells. We all took turns going to jail – but Paul was content to be the sheriff!

The Darling family cabin was right behind the courthouse.

Wally’s Service station had a gift shop attached, which we walked around. They had chocolate covered pretzels coated with chocolate chips, nuts or M&M’s. We all had one for a mid-morning snack. When we got to the station there were several older gentlemen sitting in the rockers, chatting away!

So tomorrow, I’ll take us home!

I worked this morning for a bit, and PENNDOT decided it would take that exact opportunity to go off-line. So while I was waiting I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes for the guys. I came home, grabbed lunch, and then spent a few hours pulling and digging weeds.

I finished up about 4:30pm and buzzed out to the Mall. I was looking for something specific and found almost the exact thing. I tried it on and liked it but wanted a different color. Wouldn’t you know when I exchanged the colors I got the wrong thing. So now I have to run back out tomorrow or Sunday and straighten that out. Bummer.

My cousin Brian stopped and picked up my mower. It runs fine but is in severe need of a full service. He’s going to clean it up, put on a new blade, change the air filter, and check the oil. I’m excited!

My blessing today was cleaning the kitchen at work. It made me feel useful, and helpful, and they really appreciated it. You always receive blessings by blessing others!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 27th is:

Save the Frogs Day; Woody Woodpecker Day; National Gummy Bear Day; National First Ladies Day; Autism Super Mom Day; Babe Ruth Day; Eeyore’s Birthday; Independent Book Store Day; National Chickadee Day; International Sculpture Day; Morse Code Day; National Devil Dog Day (what is a devil dog???); National Pool Opening Day; National Sense of Smell Day; National Tell a Story Day.

Yesterday’s fake day: National Coaster day. I have never saved a frog. Kathy will be excited about First Ladies Day. I’m for independent bookstores and telling stories. Have fun celebrating! God bless…