Today I used the last few hours of holiday credit and left work at noon.  I had a few errands to run, but also needed to get my 2 mile walk in.  With the rain, outside wasn’t a comfortable option.  And I didn’t relish the idea of 30 plus minutes on the treadmill, either.

On a snap decision, I changed shoes and stopped at Westmoreland Mall.  It only takes about 3 loops to get in two miles.  The danger there is of course that you see a plethora of delightful sights, some of which are beyond tempting!  Thus was the case when I saw a rack of turtle neck sweaters in front of JCPennys for a ridiculously low price. I altered my path and walked back out to the car for my money, then after I hit the two miles, well, let’s just say I’m set for next fall and winter! 

The walk itself, though, was also fun.  Everything was so festive; store windows sporting clothes and goods in bright spring colors.  I stopped for a few seconds to watch the little ones ride the train in center court.  The Easter Bunny was on duty for photo ops.  It was a little nostalgic, as I don’t have any little ones to put on the train or visit the EB.  It was still fun!

On a loop past the food court, I was tempted by the giant cookies with enough icing to spread a bed! Look at the colors on that giant, pizza-size chocolate chip cookie!  Yum! Thankfully I resisted that and escaped with just my single little JCPenny’s purchase. 

The flowers in my yard have been popping up right and left, and last night there was a robin sitting on the nest under the bistro table on my deck.  Just now there were two robins having a major pecking match in my flower bed.  Yes, it’s spring for sure!

Today I skipped out of work at noon.  I still had a whole credit holiday to take from the Christmas holidays, as they were on weekends.  I did some errands, took a long walk outside, then played in the dirt for a couple of hours.  That was so nice, and it was very hard to come inside and be an adult for the rest of the evening — cleaning and paying bills, etc.

It was so very nice to clean in the daylight, and in the sunshine as well!  Seldom am I home at that hour and it was a blessing.  Makes me see what a difference there could be in my life when I finally start cutting back hours.  One little step at a time!  Soon, I hope!

Doesn’t look like any progress on the bird’s nest – nothing else added and no eggs in the nest. I am careful to stay clear of it and no touch it or anything near the nest.

Saw my first snake of the season this week when I was walking.  Flatter than a pancake, smushed on the road and dead as a doornail.  Why do the SAY that??  Of course doornails are dead.  Anyway, I was totally glad it was dead but it freaked me out, none-the-less.  It was probably about a foot and a half long and about a quarter size round, had it not been pancaked.  Yuck.

What will be the next adventure in the neighborhood???

If you have been following Ron’s A.T. hike, you will see that he is now in North Carolina.  But after I got back from Wal-Mart, (reference:  see AT page post for today) I was pulling into my garage and happened to look up on the top deck.  For the second time an aggressive little bird decided to build a nest in my bistro table. It’s right outside my kitchen door. That happened about 5 years ago, and I left the nest there until the eggs disappeared. 

I don’t know yet what type of bird is living there, but the nest is very creative.  Looks almost like the tips of wheat stalks poking up around the edge.  I guess this is a high-class bird.  I’ll keep you posted if I see the bird or if eggs appear in the nest.  But they certainly do make a total mess out there!!!

I am so excited that Spring is actually here – it’s sunny and warmer, and the little plants are shooting up out of the ground.  In a garden walk over the weekend, I found crocus, hyacinths, and budded daffodils.  There’s a little pine-like plant with delicate purple flowers that I have no idea of the name.  On my walk later in the day, I spotted a tiny clump of mini-daffodils – I think they are actually narcissus! – growing by the road.  All happy sights!

I have been on the hunt since last fall for a new deck table/chairs set.  The old wicker set fell apart, and hadn’t included a table that I could use to eat meals outside.  I searched online and looked at local department and specialty stores, and finally found what I wanted.  It’s a bar height table, with four high chairs, and the table will accommodate my purple deck umbrella.  There is even a little row of glow lights around the umbrella holder that will look super cool at night!

All in all I am anxious to get outside and start cleaning out the flower beds and enjoying the yard.  My neighbor cut his grass today.  Yikes!  So bring it on – I’m totally ready!

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!!!)