THAT is a very good question.  Now for the answer.  I have been trying to accomplish several different projects, including the survival of sub-zero weather and layers of relentless ice on my sloped driveway.  The warm days have eliminated the ice, so now we can start again mid-week.  I understand it’s supposed to snow!  But anyway, right after the holiday I decided that after 27 years of living in a totally dark brown basement (doors, walls, trim, stairs, floor – ugh!) I was up for a remodel.  I contracted my amazing son and ‘second’ son (Nate and Dave from B&B Windows) to tackle the first half of the project, and it’s well under way.  All the furniture, wall hangings, nick-nacks — everything in the family room is now stacked in the garage.  The carpet is ripped out and the entire room has been repainted – 2 shades of gray.  No, nothing like the book, so relax.  Tomorrow their part of the project should wrap up, then I wait 2 1/2 weeks for the installation of new flooring (also gray).  It’s a long time to have my house torn apart (if you know me, you KNOW it’s driving me NUTS!) but the end result will be worth it.  

In the meantime, I am going through boxes and cases of things in the closets and cupboards and trying to be really truthful with myself-  Who needs all this STUFF?  I found things I didn’t know I had.  I will post before and after photos mid-February when we’re done.  I’m also sticking closely to my 3 miles a day walking routine, and tonight was a lovely night to walk outside.  One of the neighbors 2 streets over still have their purple tree lit, which I can see from my house.  I even saw one house with a Christmas tree still lit in their picture window!  I can’t ‘throw stones’, though, because last year I made a resolution to keep appropriate lights on my back deck railing all year long, according to the season or holiday.  Right now (since I took the multi-colored Christmas lights down) I have the railings strung with crystal lights that fade from white to blue and back to white.  Sort of like snow drifting down.  I did have my reindeer lit with flood lights in the bottom yard, and I really enjoyed having them on at night — but this weather is pretty tough on them.  Tonight I was finally able to get the stakes out of the un-frozen yard (is that even a WORD???) so the little deer are now tucked safely in my shed until next December.  But sort of as a ‘cheer me up’ type thing, my daughter sent me a picture of her friend’s snow sculpture.  Julia is a HUGE Snoopy fan and this was their winter project.  I love it!  I have the picture as a background on my desktop. 

So that’s what has been happening, and I’ll try to step it up a notch from here on out.  Oh, and I am speaking at McKenna Center in Greensburg (next to the Garden and Civic Center) on Wednesday January 24th at 12:45.  Just a little info about ‘Letters to Mary’ and it should be fun.  Stop out if you can!  Catch you soon…..

When I sat down here to type, the computer clock said 11:45pm. Almost midnight; almost Christmas Day. The house is clean, the cooking and baking are done as far as can be done, and the gifts are wrapped and sorted. A roast is in the crock pot and a ham waits to go in the oven at about 5:30am on slow bake. My family will trickle in about noon tomorrow – no hurry.

I love the peace and quiet and aloneness of Christmas Eve. The lights are on both inside and out, and won’t be turned off until I go to bed Christmas night. I love the glow and reflections they make, especially with all of the other lights turned off. It sort of lights a glow inside of me that warms me all the way through.

The church was very full this evening; one family – all together from other parts of the state and other states – filled an entire row from one end to the other. It was impressive to see. I enjoy the music specials the best, and especially liked Patty’s singing ‘Heirloom’ (Amy Grant sings that one). Of course the candles lit during ‘Silent Night’ at the end are moving and inspirational. Kath hosted supper after church this evening, and although neither of us had our whole families there, we had a very nice evening. Lots of good food and special family fun together. A true blessing!

I’ve always wondered why it’s so magical at midnight on Christmas Eve. Just something holy and quiet and real. Sort of like my heart opens up and lets the Christ child enter, fulfilling a need that I didn’t realize I had. That seems to be enough to get me through until the next year.

This past year has seen some changes for me, one of which is that I have cut back about 10 hours a week at work. Those extra hours have been a double blessing while preparing for the holidays. I didn’t realize how I was exhausting myself by trying to do so much. I’m still getting used to the schedule, but Jim and the managers and my co-workers at Smail Auto have been nothing but supportive. I am truly blessed to have these people in my life, considering it’s been over 50 years that I have worked for them. (and 20 at Pinnacle!)

I’m hoping to use a few of those extra hours to spend more time volunteering at Historic Hanna’s Town, doing a lot more writing and maybe speaking (which I really enjoy).  Gen and I worked for a day and a half in my gardens last October, and I hope by the end of spring 2018 they will be tamed and organized!  I want to go to Philadelphia (I’ve never made a secret of that fact) to see some historic sites, and be more active hiking or at least walking outside in nice weather (I’m a fair weather walker). That’s a lot of activities for 10 hours!!!

My kids both have successful businesses. Kelly and Matt are doing imprints, etc –PLC designs – and it’s fun to see their creations and how well received they have been. Nate (and Dave) are looking at their third year of B&B Window Cleaning, and have faithful, delighted customers. Jen and her Nine Lives Rescue has done just that: rescued and adopted out countless displaced dogs and cats that are now happily in their forever homes.

Peyton seems to be able to make a success at anything, from finding junk in the woods and hauling it in for scrap (cash!!!) to rebuilding trailers and go carts. Logan is taking guitar lessons and Chase did super at Bible Bowl. Autmn is at the high school in 9^th grade and in the chorus (regretfully I missed her Christmas concert as I was stuck in a snowy weekend at Mom’s!). Chrissy is in the Harrold Middle School Band on percussion, and is teaching herself piano and ASL (American Sign Language). These kids are always on the go!

My mom is struggling with memory issues, but John is a trooper and taking good care of both of them. Kath and I go up as often as we can, as well as frequent trips to Home and Smicksburg to visit the ‘aunts’ (and uncle). Family is the essence of life, and my life is very full!

The radio DJ’s have all predicted snow, but none yet. I’m ok with that, seeing that so many are traveling. I’m content to stay inside, turn on my electric fireplace, bask in its warmth and enjoy the Christmas tree and the holiday-festive house around me.

2018 is just around the corner, and none of us know what it will bring. I know that it won’t all be good, and some things will be very hard. But God is good, all the time, and I know that all things (ALL THINGS!) work together for good for us if we let go and let God. We are all there for each other, which makes a world of difference.

Wishing you all the wonder and magic of that first Christmas, and the bright blessings of a brand new year, with no mistakes in it (as Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables would say). If you look for the good in people, and in your life, you will find it.

Here’s to a year full of beautiful blessings, family, faith, and friendship. Merry Christmas – Love M

It’s Christmastime, and a visit to Albion was a priority.  The weather app on my phone listed a winter advisory – lake effect snow, cold temps, bad roads.  But Kath and I packed up the Mazda, said a prayer, and headed up I-79.  Everything went fairly well until we crossed under I-80, which of course was after dark had settled, and suddenly there were blizzard-like squalls beating at the car, almost no light, and a world of white everywhere you looked: including the road.  It was hard to tell where the road was.  I gripped the steering wheel, thinking that an hour of driving like this would do me in.  But we stepped up our prayer and pleading, and after about 10 minutes it settled down a bit.  Driving was still a little tense, but much better than it had been.  We swung off I-79 at the Edinboro/Albion exit and popped into Walmart for groceries and goodies for Saturday’s meal; then headed out 6N and Route 18.  Crouch Road was almost untouched, and the snow was swirling around us like a snow globe.  We pulled into the drive gratefully thankful to have arrived safe – and were greeted by warm hugs and smiles.  Once we got unpacked, we had Christmas!  Mom loved her little black kitty that doubled as a neck massager, and John liked his adjustable flashlight.  We had carrot cake and ice cream and settled in for a long winter’s night. 

The next morning – as is our custom – Kath and I took our 2 mile walk out to the highway and back.  We made friends with the snow plow driver and totally enjoyed the winter wonderland virtually untouched around us.  After a quick breakfast we bundled up and shoveled out the driveway and a path to the mailbox.  It looked like about 12 inches on the picnic table. 

Mom hadn’t brought any decorations from the attic, so Kath and I went up with her and lugged 3 boxes down and had a great time pulling out treasures and making the house festive.  John was a little hesitant, but before long he was helping, too, and we had the manger set displayed, the lighted poinsettia by the TV, and the tea towels hung in the kitchen.

It was fun to see mom so animated and enjoying all her memories.  After a lunch of pizza, salad, and more carrot cake (tradition!), we loaded up and headed back down toward home.  It had not stopped snowing since we had arrived, and we wanted to get home in the daylight. 

It was a shorter visit than we liked, but it paid off with clear roads and no dangers.  We’ll go up in January when we are sure there is a safe weekend to travel.  Celebrating Christmas with our family, and seeing their joy in our gifts and even just our visit, make it one of the best memories we could have.  God bless us, everyone!  

On Wednesday, Kelly and I took our semi-annual outing to Berlin and Sugar Creek Ohio for the day.  It was sunny and bright, but the temperature didn’t really reach 40* and it was really breezy.  That did not stop us from having a great time!  I met her at Walmart in Cabelas Plaza West Virginia, and we headed out Route 70, up Route 77, and then into Amish country.  We never lack things to talk about, and we covered just about every topic under the sun.  It was about 10:30am when we pulled into a parking space and started our adventure. 

We were greeted by a dapper looking horse in a top hat, and inside we found an old-fashioned sleigh full of colorfully wrapped gifts.  The stores and the streets were decorated for Christmas, with bright red bows, puffy evergreen boughs, tinsel and lights and holiday music.  We wandered in and out of the stores for about two hours, picking up a few items here and there, until we came to the little snack shop.  Their hot pretzels are buttery and soft and salty, and filling enough to serve as our lunch – along with a piece of homemade chocolate that we got at the checkout counter down the street at Sol’s. 

There was a huge, life-size creche on the corner, and it was really nice to see that the reason for the season was so prominently displayed.  One of the shops is a quaint but large Victorian home full of unique gifts, crafts, plaques, clothing and fragrances.  I particularly liked one of the signs- hoping you can read the print! 

(Three Wise Women would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and there would be peace on earth!)

At about 2:30 we headed out of town and stopped at the Antique mall, and I fell in love with a beautiful China cupboard/hutch.  We even measured it to see if we could get it in my car.  Alas…. not so!  If it wasn’t a three hour drive, I’d go back up and get it on the weekend!  Perfectly matched the color of my dining table – great shape, unique design.  Sigh…. 

Before we got back on Route 77 south to head home, we stopped at the Amish family restaurant and had their buffet.  Yum.  Everything was so good! Right inside the entrance was a beautiful tree and a group of ‘carolers’ waiting to serenade us. We got back to Walmart in record time, and I was home in Greensburg by 7:30pm.  It was a perfect day – crossed some gifts off my list, spent the day with my daughter, and enjoyed hours of shopping (both for purchasing and browsing!).  I can’t wait until spring so we can do it again!  Love you, Kelly! 🙂 

At the end of last summer, for some reason, I jumped into a very nostalgic ‘mode’ and was listening to my oldies CD’s.  The ‘Best of the Beach Boys’ just sent me over the edge.  On impulse, I jumped onto their website and saw they were coming to Kovalchick center (IUP) in November.  I sent out a plea for company and found out that three of my Skunk Hollow Cousins already had front row seats!  After an hour’s worth of phone calls, I got a ticket for a seat directly behind them, and I was set.  So, Thursday night I headed up Route 119 and Mapquested my way to crossing a big event off my bucket list.  THE BEACH BOYS! 

For just a few hours, I was 16 again.  When I was in high school, they were my absolutely favorite group – and my favorite song was ‘Wouldn’t it be Nice’.  That, in fact, is still Roger’s ringtone on my phone!  What a great night.  The screen behind them most often played footage of their original appearances and videos, and reflected exactly the songs they were performing live on stage! 

Mike Love led the group, and informed us after 3 songs that it was time for intermission and a nap – what we got for coming to see a bunch of ‘old’ rockers!  Of course they didn’t take a break.  Every time they flashed their iconic logo on the screen I had to snap a picture.  By the time I left, I think I had 6 photos of that! 

At one point, we all turned on our phone flashlights and the entire arena looked like the milky way.  So cool!  And speaking of cool, my daughter made me a custom sweatshirt – bright pink with purple glitter letters:  EAST COAST GIRLS ARE HIP  2017.  When the band played ‘California Girls’ all the people sitting around me yelled and clapped and pointed to my shirt! 

If you want to hear Kokomo  you can jump on facebook and look up my page – the video is posted there.  I had a great time, and it’s something I’ll remember for a very long time.  I’d go again in a heartbeat – because we had FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

Yesterday Kath and I headed north to Home, PA – and  Smicksburg’s 2017 Christmas Open House.  We took a quick side trip to the Eat n Park ‘Cares for Kids’ craft show at the Masonic Lodge in Greensburg.  It’s always a nice event and this year was no exception – especially the creative chocolates and hand-made crafts!

An hour later we were pulling into The Chocolate Shoppe, buying Christmas-colored non-perils and chocolate covered peanuts (double dipped!).  We were in all the little shops, seeing old favorites and new temptations.  We had a taste of Fudge at the Country Cupboard, popcorn in the Primitive Peddler, cake at the Drying Shed – all accompanied by holiday music and decorations. When were were done ‘downtown’, we headed back toward Sinktown road, stopping first at the Smicksburg Country Store for our traditional hot dog and cheese lunch, greeted by the resident cat. 

While we were buying fresh-baked  cookies from an Amish lady outside, we noticed a commotion on the driveway.  Turns out a guy got out of his truck for something, and the dog locked the doors – with the truck running – blocking the only way in and out.  He tried several ‘tricks’ to get the doors open, to no avail.  Finally, Tyler pulled the wooden post and rail fence out of the ground for several feet to make room for the cars to get past.  That little place is always full of action – last time we were there one of the cows escaped and was just strolling down the lane!  Again, Tyler to the rescue!!!

We stopped over at Yoder’s store, browsed around in there at the beautiful displays.   So appealing! We said hello to our cousin Colleen (who works there), and had a nice little chat with Santa.  He didn’t say if I had been naughty or nice, but when I asked him if he was ok (I was sitting on his knee!) he said he’d never be ok again.  I’m not even going to TRY to interpret that!

We then drove out to visit the aunts/uncle.  The views were spectacular and we snapped several pictures on the way over to Aunt Joan/Uncle Clifford’s.   We took a picture of Colleen’s front porch as it was colorful and inviting!

Then, after a quick stop to give Aunt Dolly hugs, we drove part way up the cabin drive to get pictures there.  Alas.  Certainly not in its prime.  Sigh. 

It was a lovely day – a bit windy but sunny and dry so we were quite content.  We made our usual stop at Blairsville Wal-Mart and the Dollar Tree before heading back to Greensburg and the comfort of home.  But I can say that a trip ‘Home’ is balm for the soul –  There’s no place like Home (home!). 

Halloween this year was spread out over a few days – starting with Saturday when I had Kelly help me create clouds and lightening bolts out of poster board.  It was for a good purpose:  Sunday evening we had Trunk or Treat at our church (Hempfield Church of Christ).  The weather being what it was, we transferred the creativity from our outdoor vehicle trunks to tables inside the old sanctuary.  There was a room full of tables decorated to represent everything from Noah’s Ark (us!) to a baseball diamond to a slime pit!  Miss Shirley very creatively just sat her HUGE candy bars out on a plain table – and the kids were just as excited as if it were Ceasar’s Palace!  Mary made our ark, Joni created rain out of yarn, and I added my storm.  We all pitched in some animals, and there you go!  Kind of fitting that it was raining.  We were ready!  The kids loved seeing the animals and picking their favorite – which was mostly the plump pink pig with huge round eyes!  Our chefs manned the grill, which sat outside under the deck overhang, and the hot dogs tasted extra good.  We had homemade donuts, chips, and of course way too much candy.  There were games with prizes, and even several opportunities for photo ops.  Of course I picked Linus’s very sincere pumpkin patch. 

On Tuesday, my two office co-workers got into the spirit of things and dressed up for Halloween.  Liz was Minnie Mouse and April was a major-leaguer.  Not sure what I was, actually.  Some said Lily Munster, some said medieval wench, some said it was just my normal dress! 

By the time I got home from work, it was too late to be part of the neighborhood pass-out-candy routine.  I changed clothes and hit the streets, running my two miles around the blocks.  Fire trucks were patrolling, flashing their lights, running sirens, and one actually sounded their horn and startled me so bad I jumped over the curb into the yard!  So many houses had fog machines, strobe lights, inflatables, all sorts of scary scenes.  Lots of people had fire pits in their driveways and sat in lawn chairs wrapped in blankets, handing out treats.  I stopped to talk to several of my ‘neighbors’, and enjoyed the evening WITHOUT treats as much as the kids enjoyed the treats. 

I’m not really a fan of Halloween, but I enjoyed getting dressed up, passing out snacks at our Noah’s Ark, and tramping the neighborhood in the dark on Tuesday night.  I guess maybe I’m just a kid at heart!  And I’m not quite sure how I actually resisted all that candy!  *Disclaimer:  I did have a baby Butterfinger.  Yum!!!

Despite the rain and chilly clouds, the Burkes and the Hanchers had a great time at Hanna’s Town for their Fall Family Fun Day on Saturday.  There were lots of programs and activities to keep everyone informed and entertained. There was a demonstration of potato jack-o-lantern carving on the porch, and a decorated tree in the display room.

Then Taylor – their youthfully exuberant tour guide – took Kelly, Peyton, Chrissy, Logan, and Chase for a complete tour of the tavern, the stockade, the covered wagon, the stocks, and the site.  They learned about life in the 1770’s, about the attack on the town by the Indians, and how the site because what it is today, complete with artifacts in the display cases. 

After the tour, the kids jumped in and played with the colonial toys, including stilts and tops and tug of war.  Just about then, Lisa rang her bell, and took the group on a cemetery tour.  We had not quite reached the path when a group of colonials jumped out and demanded that we release the deserter among us.  He stepped forward and was pronounced condemned to be shot for his desertion from his post.   Despite his protests, he was ‘shot’ on the spot and dragged away in the grass.  Lisa explained that this was a true story reenacted, and that laws weren’t as fair or clear- cut as they may be now.  At the cemetery she told the stories of those killed or buried there. 

Chase got cold part way though and I took him down to do crafts in the warmth of the tavern basement, but the rest stuck it out.  They joined us afterwards to make yarn babies and refrigerator magnets.  Proctor’s militia were having a weapons demonstration, which Kelly, Peyton and Logan went over to watch. 

We did have a great time, and are already looking forward to the next program at the site, which will be next summer.  In the meantime, check out the Candlelight Open house on November 2nd from 4 to 8pm, and the Colonial Teas on November 11th and 18th. There is also the Tree Centuries of Chrismas in American on December 2nd and 9th – check out all the programs on the site at www.westmorelandhistory.org – Hanna’s Town.  Hope to see you there!

Last Friday afternoon my sister Kath, her husband Paul (designated driver!) and I headed north up I-79 to spend some time with our parents.  We’ve learned to balance work, play, and rest so that every little need is met as best we can.  After a quick Wendy’s supper stop and a zip into Walmart, we arrived about 7:30 pm to settled in for the night.  The drive up offered a lot more autumn leaves than we expected as Greensburg really hasn’t changed to colors much.  We were discussing who was sleeping in what room, and Paul warned that when he rang the bell, we all had to change rooms!  Mom laughed but I decided I’d just lock my door…. 🙂 

Saturday’s weather flexed back and forth between sunny and cloudy, but was basically pleasant.  Kathy and I started with our typical two-mile walk back to the water fall (overflow!), and after breakfast started in on chores. 

We did a little laundry and cleaning just because we aren’t very good at sitting still.  Mom was wanting a perm so we took her to the salon when we went for groceries.  Dinner (meatloaf and cheesy potatoes and carrot cake!) was yummy, but the afternoon went too fast.

While John and Paul sat on the porch chatting, I took a little walk up and down the road to get some pictures near their house. The garden flag was still dancing in the breeze – without the garden! I saw an interesting tree that looked like it could be a fairy’s home, and low and behold!  There appeared right on my phone a picture of a little pixie!   (Actually it was a picture of my great niece Millie!) 

We regretfully headed back down I-79, having spend time with those we love most, already picking out dates for the next visit!  Time with family is always precious!

This year – for the first time since the late 1990’s – I decided to go to Ligonier Days.  I took half a vacation day, so a little after 12:00 noon I headed up.  Parking was in the field below the town, which meant a good bit of walking.  But as always, I was up for that!  There were craft booths and quaint stores and vendors all up and down the street so the walk was eventful from start to finish. Smail Auto had a line of cars displayed about a block from the diamond.  I really think we’re EVERYWHERE!  

I particularly liked the booths that were selling wood crafts, and had a hard time keeping my wallet in my purse!  The food vendors were all tempting, but I settled for curly fries, with a double chocolate chip cookie for dessert later. While I ate my fries, I sat at a table and listened to the country band – Regegade Ridge – in the gazebo.  They were really good!  

There were horseback rides outside of Agway, and the little trainer really wanted me to pet the horse.  I took a picture and told her it would be on my web page later, so here you go!  This one’s for you and your beautiful horse!

One of the antique stores had a bear perched on a chair as you walked in the door.  So of course I snapped a picture as a reminder of my ‘close encounter’ last weekend! 

I spent about 3 hours walking around, and I’m sure I didn’t see everything.  And I did not even walk over to the fort.  But it was a cool, sunny day, and a fun experience, and I recommend it as a delightful fall outing in the not-so-sleepy little town of Ligonier!