This last week has been exceptionally emotional.  A few highs, but a lot of lows.  Ron leaving last Sunday was both –  so excited for his Appalachian Trail adventure, and all the wonderful experiences he will have.  But it’s hard to imagine him on the trail for six months or more.  It will take getting used to for both of us, as well as his family, friends, and neighbors. Thank goodness for the joys and pleasures to look forward to.

But then, a little tougher — A co-worker, Danny, lost his step-father last week. Even though it was a long illness, it is never easy, and it was hard to say goodbye and to comfort his mom.

On Tuesday my dear friend Lynne (and her young son Caleb) lost their husband/father.

Dale had been diagnosed with brain cancer about two years ago, and although he was a fighter and a deeply faithful believer, he lost his fight and went home.  There is sadness and mourning for a while, but there is rejoicing in heaven as they welcome this child home.

On Wednesday morning, only hours after being released from a triple by-pass surgery, my cousin Gail got word that her husband passed away in Indiana Hospital.  He had a lung disease and struggled with breathing and talking, and was longing to go home.  His Father welcomed him with open arms, and we can only praise God that now Andy is laughing and talking and probably having coffee with St. Peter!  We will all miss him, and his family will feel the loss most assuredly; but again, the angels rejoice!

Prayers of blessings and comfort are being raised in hundreds of homes, lifting these people up.  Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world.  As we mourn and comfort, let us rejoice in those words, knowing God is good, all the time! 

On Friday afternoon Kathy and I headed up I-79 for a February visit.  Seldom do we make that trip in ANY winter months without the threat or even the reality of snow.  But we left Greensburg in sunny, 75* weather and had a great drive up!  No jackets, no boots, no clouds – a nice day!

We enjoyed our evening visit, and even planted a few tulips!  Fun to watch them glow in the dark.  Then we watched a few episodes of MAYBERRY – There just aren’t characters like Barney Fife anymore!  I had a pretty good nights’ sleep, other than hearing the scratch of some little critter in the attic.  I was ok with it up there, as long as it stayed up there.  No clue what it was.

Early Saturday morning we went for our walk is a bit of a drizzle and much cooler temps.  The usual February snow had been replaced by rain, and the streams were overflowing.  After showers and breakfast, we stood and watched the squirrels eating out of the birdfeeders.  Momma squirrel jumped (yes, actually leaped from the ground to land on the feeder!) and hung off the roof to reach the birdseed.  Junior squirrel sat underneath as momma picked the seeds with her teeth and dropped them to the ground for her baby.  They had it all worked out.

When the sun came out – just for a bit! – Mom walked with us outside, and we looked for snowdrops and crocuses in the matted leaves.  The front yard was literally a blanket of violet, purple, white and yellow crocuses poking up in groups and bunches.  It had cooled down so much that they weren’t opened up very far, but they were a spring delight nonetheless! 

Pictures with mom – when we say our ‘little’ mother, we really mean it!  Love you, Mom!!!

John’s nephew and his friend had set up their hunting tent, somewhere to get warm and dry on their adventures.  Kathy took my picture, with the intent of telling Ron that mom had set the tent up for him when he came up for a visit.  Ron is leaving next week to walk the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine – more info on that topic in another post! You won’t catch ME sleeping in that tent!  We changed the porch flag from the Christmas angel to the screen door cat – we need to find a winter one for them!

After a yummy lunch, John sat down and sorted out the mail.  They had five (yes, count them!) notices from contests (like Publishers Clearinghouse) that informed them they had won millions!  John read the little notes and disclaimers ou loud, and it’s amazing how creative they can get while still telling them they hadn’t won a penny.  Sigh.

We packed up to leave at 4pm in a squall of snow and 34* temperatures.  It’s always hard to leave and head home, and we always spend the first part of the trip reliving our visit.  So glad we have the opportunity and the privilege of visiting our dear parents as often as we do, considering the distance.  We already have the next trip on the calendar!  🙂 Blessings abound!

As Monday was a holiday, my sister Kathy did not have to work.  I used 1/2 of one of my credit Christmas Holidays and left work at noon.  Together we jumped in my Mazda and headed Home (PA).

As I’ve stated many times before, Home is where our heart goes to de-stress!  Our extended family are there, and all of our good childhood memories, as well.  We had a plan.  First we’d stop and get cheese at the Smicksburg Country Store.  Then a short hop over to the Chocolate Shoppe (I was anticipating the making of Easter candy shortly!).  It was a beautiful, 60* day – unheard of for mid-February!  The sun was shining and the sky was bright and blue.

After nibbling on some snacks (including double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts!), we headed over to see Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan.  Our dear aunt had been in the hospital 53 days, and was finally home and doing very well.  We had left a message of our impending visit, then set out up the hill.  It didn’t take long to discover that about 1/3 of the road surface was complete MUD!  Ugh!  We did a considerable amount of slipping and sliding and splashing.  Alas.  When we got to the house, there was a note on the door:  Be back at 3pm! 

We set off out over the muddy roads and went to see Aunt Dolly.  The TV was on, but no one answered the door.  We went out the drive and across the road to see Susan.  No one answered the door.  Now we were 3 for 3!

All was not lost, however.  We walked next door to visit Gail and Andy, and Susan was there!  So we spent an hour in a happy visit with them and two very opposite (tiny and huge) dogs.  By the time we left there (wonderful visit!!!), we had called Aunt Dolly and she was waiting when we walked back over.  We visited there for a bit then headed back through the mud to Smicksburg.

By now UC and AJ were home and resting comfortably (smile!).  Hugs all around, a delightful visit, a drink from the roadside fresh-water spring, a head of cabbage from the root cellar, sweet conversation (wonderful visit!!!), and we were back in the mud again.

Those visits and the time spent at Home are a joy and treasure to me.  Family is so precious, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their love and support and Christian example.  It’s who they are, and who they are to US, that leave little bright trails across the skies of my mind.

The next trip scheduled is to Albion, to see our parents.  It will be grand and wonderful – but I’m hoping for less mud!   Love you guys!!! 🙂 

I am really excited about helping at Hanna’s Town this year.  We had our planning/training meeting this morning, and as usual, it ignites my historical fires and gets me in the mood!  I’m going to try and put a few things on the calendar early so I can plan around them instead of trying to fit them in!  One thing that looks interesting, if we don’t go to Mom’s that weekend, is Westmoreland Walks for Parks.  It’s a fundraiser for all of Westmoreland County Parks, and Hanna’s Town is officially part of the parks system.  I learned today that volunteers dress ‘colonial’ and pass out flyers to walkers to draw some interest.

Joanna spent a few hours talking about interesting historical facts related to the site, which is 1699 and forward.  I love learning new facts that we can use on the tours, and also learning about the people who lived there. 

While I was there, I asked Joanna if she had ever heard of Westmoreland County Common School.  My cousin Mark gave me our grandfather Lloyd Steiner’s diploma.  I’m trying to get info, but so far nothing has surfaced easily.  I think it will take more effort on my part!

Be sure and stop during the August 18th through the 20th Civil War encampment.  I’ll be out there with LETTERS TO MARY, sharing Mary’s story and some artifacts from my research. 

If you want to know more about Hanna’s Town just google Westmoreland County Hanna’s Town.  It was established as a stop along the original Forbes Road, complete with several taverns.  The site opens for tours the beginning of May, and it’s worth visiting. See you there! 

About 8 years ago I finally decided to invest in a new kitchen.  Funds were limited and I did NOT replace my appliances.  My nephew had given me a really nice stove, which I scrubbed and polished to perfection.  The newer black and white one replaced the 1970’s brown one that had seen better days.  The fridge was almost new, so that left the dishwasher.  It was only a few years old to ME, as someone had passed it to me when they got all new appliances in their kitchen renovation. So I was content to keep them for the time being.

But the dishwasher began to show its age.  Very often the dishes did not get clean; the racks were losing their coating and the rust was popping through.  The inside panels were stained and ugly.  It was time.

I promised myself back in June that I would get a new one, but life got in the way.  Then there was the expense and time-crunches of the Christmas holidays.  So finally, after a few weeks of visiting box stores and department stores and checking out websites – and finally thanks to the recommendation of a friend – I chose Rosendahl’s Appliance in Irwin.  This new model has stainless steel panels, nylon trays, simple operating options, and is quiet.  Best of all, it had a black exterior.  Perfect for blending with the kitchen, much more so than the old, unattractive almond color.

On Valentine’s day morning, Rick (installer) removed the worn out model, cleaned up the space, and then wheeled in my new deluxe impressive ‘Cadillac’ model.  He was pleasant, efficient, neat, and conscientious.  I was comfortable with the job he did, and I really love the new look.  I can’t believe that replacing one out-dated appliance could change the entire look of the kitchen!  It’s no secret that my favorite household chore is NOT cooking, but when I do finally pick up the pots and pans,  it’s so nice to enjoy the space I’m working in.

A big thanks to Mary Lou for her recommendation, and of course Gary and Rick from Rosendahl’s. My kitchen has never looked – or felt – so great!  I may even cook more often now.

Wait.  Maybe not….

Well, here it is, Valentine’s Day 2017.  This has never been a particularly favorite day for me; for no reason other than I just sort of passed right over it.

But this year I thought I’d stop and say a lovely thank you to those who love us, those who make us smile, those who enrich and sweeten our lives.  We tend to think of romance on Valentine’s day, but I will reach out further and send big hugs to all who make my life a happy place to live!  Especially my immediate family, extended family, of course the Skunk Hollow girls and the cabin family.  My kids, grandkids, parents –  my dear friends, co-workers, church family –  so many people who touch my life with ‘the good things’.

Wishing everyone a lovely day, and a celebration of love and friendship and God’s blessings:  the best gift of all. 

These first flowers were to my co-worker April from her devoted husband;  The second flowers were hand-delivered to me this morning from Ron.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Love to you!  (Notice the SNOOPY CARD!!!)

I have been looking at my off-white toilet, scratched up bathroom vanity, and cracked sick bowl since I bought this house — not to mention the less than stellar faucet — for the downstairs powder room. 

I did change the paint color a few times, and about a year ago put down new floor tile blocks.  But other than that, not so spiffy.

Until last week.

My handy-dandy, talented son and his business partner (B&B Window Cleaning) had a few unscheduled days due to the nasty weather.  So I coaxed them into taking on the project for me.  I went over to Lowe’s and Home Depot and checked out all the options (Warning:  It’s very easy to get distracted and want to replace every appliance, all the flooring, and even closet doors once you start roaming these big box stores!).

I made my choices, then called in the boys.  They met me at the store and hauled my purchases home in their truck.  I went to work, and so did they.

By the end of the day, I had a beautiful new powder room!  The paint was a fresh choice, as were the floors, so they stayed the same.  But I was very excited and pleased with their excellent work and efficiency, even making some behind-the-scenes improvements, like shut-off valves under the sink! 

My favorite thing is the faucet – it is ‘black’ and has a little trough-like spigot for the water to just sort of slip out and spill into the sink basin.  I love it!  I few other updates and it’s perfect.

A big thanks to my ‘boys’, along with a warning not to get too comfortable.  I have a few more updates I’m thinking about doing.   Love you guys!  Thanks a bunch; great job! 🙂

I knew it was going to snow.  I was just hoping that it was light enough to push off the driveway easily and quickly.

Not so.

I woke up several times during the night, each time looking out the window to check the progress of the fast-falling flakes.  Indeed, everything was covered.  I considered bundling up and going outside when I woke up at 3:08am, but I knew that for as fast as it was coming down, I’d just have to do it again, anyway, to get the car up the driveway.  So I rolled over and tried to sleep.

Finally, at 5:20am, I pulled myself from the covers, went to the garage, and suited up.  I certainly had enough practice over the years to be familiar with the drill.  I left on my PJ’s; then slipped into heavy black sweat pants and a gray PINNACLE AUTO SALES sweatshirt with black letters. Next I pulled on the red snowmobile suite that had belonged to my step-daughter Nancy when she was 14 years old.  She was now 52.  Next came the wool hat with balled ties, which sat under the hood of the sweatshirt.  I wrapped a scarf twice around my neck, coming up over my chin.

I had heavy wool socks with reindeer on them; after the socks, the thermal packed snow boots (also Nancy’s). To these boots I secured rubber ice-grips that slip over the boot treads.  Two pair of gloves (one thermal) and I was out the door.

I snapped the radio on to my favorite country station (Pittsburgh Y-108), grabbed the blue Walmart shovel, and set to. It was cold; in the 20’s.  But the wind wasn’t blowing so I was ok.  After a few minutes I got into the swing of things, and had a pattern going.  I cleaned the steepest part first, in case I wore out.  I shoveled and pushed and threw snow for two hours.  I knew that if I didn’t stop and get ready for work, I would be seriously late.

I hadn’t had time for the extra parking space at the top of the drive, nor the sidewalks or decks/porches.  But as I stopped to snap a photo of my ‘job well done’, I knew that it was indeed a good job.  I would finish it up when I got home later that night, about 7:30pm or so (which I did).  The snow plow had, of course, threw about 5 feet of salted sludge onto my cleared driveway, which ultimately froze, but after about an hour all was clear again.

It felt good to be outside, engaged in a worthwhile project, getting fresh air and watching the sun come up.  I always dread those early morning shovelings, but once I’m fully engaged, I find myself singing with the radio and not really minding it so much at all.

That’s not to say that I’m looking forward to the next middle-of-the-night snowstorm.  Because I’m not….

This past Friday night was our monthly meeting of the Care Club, a His Place ministry outreach for elementary school-age girls.  We always have a good time with the girls, with lessons, crafts, snacks, activities, ‘camp fire’ songs, and snacks.  Did I mention snacks???  We love our snacks!

February’s lesson was heart-themed, in keeping with Valentine’s day.  Kathy taught about Samuel going to Jesse’s house to anoint the new king that God had chosen to lead His people.  So many of Jesse’s sons paraded in front of Samuel, all strong and handsome and capable.  But God said no.  When all the sons had been passed over, Jesse admitted that his youngest son David was out in the fields with the sheep.  David was young and humble and inexperienced, but as soon as Samuel saw David, God spoke to him.  ‘People look on the outside appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart’.  David was anointed to be the next king. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart.

The girls did a great job finding the characteristics that God would look at in our hearts, as opposed to our outside appearance.  Kindness, love, joy, patience, goodness, humility, sharing, honesty….  They wrote the words on hearts and added them to the huge heart with the above memory verse.

After our snack 🙂 we took a little time with the girls one on one, and painted their fingernails.  God may look at our hearts and care about who we are, but that doesn’t mean we cannot be neat and caring about our appearance. We all had a good time, and the girls were very excited about their bright, shiny nails!  That, and their little fun packs of M&M’s!

I know that God is using the girls to bless us and touch our hearts and spirits, and we can see a difference in these young girls as we study and share with them each month.  I am thankful for the opportunity, and the doors He has opened for all of us!

For the 4th time, I was privileged to attend the Action for Animals fundraiser at the Latrobe Country Club.  Smail Auto is an underwriting sponsor, and several of us represented the dealership.  Jen, her mom Shirley, and I had a great time being part of the event.

This year the guest speaker was Lou Battistella, the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department’s Bloodhound Team Captain.  Lou has served the fire department since 1992, and has been part of the bloodhound team since 1996 with his first dog, Dixie.  Saturday night he had his two dogs with him – Delphie and Darcy, and his daughter Elysia had her dog Sophy there. 

The dogs were very fun to meet – all 100 pounds each! – and Lou gave a great presentation about the history, the training, and the effectiveness of the bloodhound team.  Lou is also County Deputy Sheriff and head of the Sheriff’s Special Assist Team K9 Unit.

After the presentation, which was both informative and entertaining, the winners for the basket raffle were announced (For the first time in four years we had a winner from Smail Auto!!!), and several people took photos of and with the dogs.  Although they were very laid back, we were assured that they could be rowdy and energetic with very little encouragement!

The country club presented a nice offering of Hors d’oeuvres and cookies, and plenty of time to ask questions of the speaker and his companions (although the dogs basically had very little to say!).  A huge thank you to Smail Company for the opportunity to attend, and to Lou and his team for giving so much of their time to serve Greensburg and Westmoreland County.