Well, let’s see what adventures I got into today. I started in Jeannette and there were several deals. I went from there to the dentist. I have to say that in recent memory this appointment had the best results ever! No warnings, no issues, no ‘we’ll watch this’, no predictions. Whew. I really like Alyssa, the hygienist, as we are fellow readers.

It was pouring rain; dark and cloudy and even thunder/lightening when I left the dentist. But by the time I got home and had lunch the sun was shining and it was 60*. I was able to take a nice walk through the neighborhood. Several fun things to see! Signs of spring…

One yard had a bed of crocuses growing – right away I knew it was time for our annual Crocus Tea! I talked to Chrissy about it and we at least picked a basic menu. I’ll check with Autmn and we’ll come up with a good day in March.

Yesterday I made an appointment with my PCP, Dr. Cole. I had a few issues I wanted to discuss with him and he thought it worthy of an appointment. The tree in their waiting room – as always – was decorated for the upcoming holiday! He heard me out, made some comments and recommendations, and set up a medical test for Friday morning.

I stopped at Walmart for one purpose – I had a small frying pan that needed replaced several years ago. I did purchase another one at Ikea in 2020 but it was bigger. Although I love the newer one I needed a smaller one. I found one that I liked, and this time I threw the old one (that sticks ALL THE TIME AND BURNS EVERYTHING) in the trash.

On my way to the checkout I found a clearance table of slippers – so I bought a cute pair to add to my collection. I wear slippers every day so it was a great idea.

Nate and Chrissy came over to get a license application notarized for Jen, so now I can get to posting this. As you can see, there wasn’t a lot of ‘adventure’ to my day! But….

TRIVIA – answer from yesterday: apparent. Today’s trivia: “I can’t be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance. I’m worthless to one but priceless to two. What am I? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 28th is:

National Public Sleeping Day; National Science Day; Rare Disease Day; US Snow Shoe Day; National Tooth Fairy Day (I don’t need THAT!!!); 228 Memorial Day; Car Keys & Small Change Day; Floral Design Day; Inconvenience Yourself Day; National Chocolate Soufflé Day; National Essay Day; National Pancake Day.

Pancakes sound good. Without snow, snow shoes seem pointless! And I’m pretty good at Essays. Have a happy Wednesday — God bless...

I left the house early to pick up Di’s daughter Shannon for her eye appointment. As is typical, those appointments are drawn out. But she got her checkup, got a few answers, grabbed milk for her (she was out!), and I was at work by 10:30am.

Came home and changed clothes, started laundry (two loads total), had veggies for lunch, took a walk in the beautiful sunshine and warm temps, and talked to Kelly for an hour to get caught up. Peyton is working a lot of hours, Camo (Turf Boys dog) is doing well and loves everyone!, Logan likes school and is still practicing his driving skills, and Kelly is everyone’s go-to gal for help! I told her about the funeral and work and her brother’s family and baking cookies and all my appointments. Too many! Nothing too exciting for me. I did see that the daffodils are popping up!

So to cover Sunday (which I skipped yesterday), the kids were good in Sunday School. We talked about the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, eating Manna and Quail – led by a pillar of clouds (by day) and of fire (by night).

Todd’s message was LIVING BY FAITH. The three key points were: 1) Playing it safe in your faith does not please God – a messy faith is OK! 2) If you have a guarantee, it isn’t faith – you can have faith or control but not both. 3) Let go of security – keep your eyes on Jesus. Step out of the boat!

Again, I took a walk after lunch. The stream was clear and clean, flowing well. I was somewhat confused that the one guy had a boat on the bank. I hope he isn’t planning on launching it in the stream…

Autmn and Noah were moving some things around, and I offered to watch Cameron. He was a little more fussy than usual but certainly not cranky! I did all the right things: changing diapers, feeding, playing, singing, letting him nap. When they came to pick him up, Autmn took a quick shower and gave Cameron a bath. I’m sure I’ll see him one afternoon this week. Love this little guy!

TRIVIA: Choose the correct spelling of this frequently misspelled word: aparent; apparent; apparant. Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 27th is:

International Polar Bear Day; National Pokemon Day; National Protein Day; National Strawberry Day; National Retro Day; Big Breakfast Day; Special Operations Forces Day; No Brainer Day; National Susan Day.

For me it’s work, dentist and a doctor’s appointment! That’s enough for one day – although I do have strawberries, but no polar bears. God bless…

I am not going to make a normal post tonight – I am watching Cameron for Autmn and Noah, and I think it will be late by the time they leave and I have everything else done. Have a happy Monday and I’ll post tomorrow!

God bless!

Today took several unexpected turns – nothing distressing just not what I thought I would do. I had talked to Autmn about an afternoon visit but since she is currently staying with her mom she had to watch her little sister Josie for the afternoon. So hopefully next week we can put a day together to visit. I miss seeing my little family! She did send me some pictures.

I spent the morning doing in-house chores – like changing sheets and doing laundry and ironing and a little cleaning. Last night when I turned on the TV the fire stick wouldn’t work. This morning I tried switching the two fire sticks – one is upstairs, one is downstairs. No matter which TV or power plug I used the one fire stick did not work but the other one did. So I left the good one downstairs so I could watch TV down here. Then I started doing research and making phone calls. I decided to start at Walmart.

The guy there was super helpful and gave me lots of information and tips. I generally am not an impulse buyer, so I kept going and checked out Target. The clerk there looked a little familiar and from his name tag I thought I knew his dad – he was a Smail pilot back in the day. I asked him, and yes it was his son! So he gave me MORE information and the price (unlikely though it seems!) was less than Walmart! So I ended up getting the Roku. Good reviews. When Kelly & the boys come up on March 4th Logan can hook it up for me.

While I was at Target I walked around a bit, because I hadn’t been there for months. I saw something I never saw before: TUPPERWARE for sale in a retail market! Surprising.

I came home and took a walk, then got busy making cookies. I was determined to keep experimenting until I got puffy, soft Chocolate Chip Cookies. I think these will be good! I did add a bit more flour and cooked them less. They were perfect when I tasted a warm one but I’m not eating another one until after supper.

One little mishap – I cut my pinky finger, but not cutting vegetables! I sliced it on the Aluminum Foil box! A quick band-aid and it’s all good!

After the cookies were done I cut up the veggies, tossed them in Olive Oil and Sea Salt, and baked them for 45 minutes. They are cooling off now and then I’ll have my supper. I glanced out the kitchen door and saw the full moon bright and big.

TRIVIA: Wrap aluminum foil around the stems of your bananas to keep them from ripening too quickly. (I should do that!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 25th is:

National Clam Chowder Day; Lets all Eat Right Day; National Billy Day; National Chocolate Covered Nut Day (Let’s head to Smicksburg — Donna’s store!!); National Jessica Day; People Power Revolution; National Kathy Day (Yea Kath!); Quiet Day; National Nicholas Day.

Tomorrow is also 10 months until Christmas Day – as per Bud. Can’t guarantee I’ll be quiet. That’s tough for me. I’ll try to eat right since I have my veggies and fruit (strawberries and apples and bananas). Happy Sunday and God bless…

I got an early txt from Autmn that she needed to run to the store for Cameron’s food. Since she is at her mom’s – right up the road – I could take her over quick and be back in time to get the day started. All things considered, I wanted to be at Our Lady of Grace church early as I knew there would be a lot of people. And there was.

I saw this morning on facebook that Kelly Smail posted a happy birthday to Taylor. Today is her 30th birthday. Not a nice birthday present for her.

The service was a Catholic mass and was about an hour and a half. The priest had a really good message and one thing stood out. God sets the limits of life and calls us to Him – it’s not us who set our time on earth. We must be prepared, for we don’t know the day. Don’t take any day or experience for granted. You do not expect the Lord’s return or His call to take us home. Be vigilant. Just like driving – put your life in forward (drive); don’t go in reverse. God has good things for you. To us, Mark is dead, but to the Lord and to Heaven he is gloriously alive. From this point on, everyone must move forward to build their lives in a new direction.

On the way home I stopped at Lowe’s – I was looking for a mini-size can of WD-40, which I did find. I had several sticky doors that are now working just fine.

Kelly sent me a picture of Matt’s new TURF BOYS mowing team member. I think he handles the fertilizer…

When I went up for the mail I noticed a big white cross in the middle of the road in front of my house. I’m sure this means I’m marked as one of the redeemed!

I forgot to mention that on Wednesday Nate and Jen took Christina for a tour of the Point Park University campus. Chrissy loved it – Jen is already nervous about leaving Chrissy in the middle of down town Pittsburgh! Chrissy is just plain excited….

The clouds are beautiful this afternoon!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

TRIVIA – answer for yesterday: 1933. Today’s trivia is: The average adult human’s blood vessels are long enough to wrap around the Earth more than two time. That is a lot of vessels!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 24th is:

Tourism Day; Twin Peaks Day; Whooping Crane Festival, Floating Lantern Festival; I hate Coriander Day (?); International Sword Swallowers Day; Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day; National Tortilla Chip Day; National Trading Card Day.

I think I’ll find my own little celebration! Have a great weekend and God bless…

I worked this morning, got gas in the Jeep, then came home and had a few bites of my popcorn. I was able to walk later in the afternoon when I got home and it quit raining.

At 2pm I left to meet Nate and Jen at Pantalone’s Funeral Home for Mark Smail’s viewing. We waited outside in line for almost two hours, and thankfully it did not rain the whole time we were outside. I was pleased to see several people that used to be routine people in my work life. And every one of them came up to me! Lee, Linda, Chuck, Jon and Jackie. I also saw people from a distance that I recognized but you did not dare leave your place in line!

I have honestly never seen so many flowers at a viewing in my LIFE. There must have been at least 100 baskets or vases or bouquets, plus lanterns and wind chimes and stepping stones. Amazing. I was so glad that Nate and Jen were with me, since it was such a long line and a long wait. When I finally inched up to the family, Kelly (Mark’s wife) hugged me and said, “I KNEW you would come! I knew it!”

I understand that there was a family and close friend viewing last night that everyone attended. Today I talked to Kelly, then Taylor and Marcus (Mark’s grown children) who are very sweet and beautiful. Kelly had her sister there for moral support. Kathy Smail Johnson (and her husband Ron) were there, as were their two grown children Megan and Christopher. Ellen (Mark’s Mom) looks just the same, only her hair is gray rather than the dark it used to be. She looked a little frail and small but was the stalwart that she has always been. Jeff Jr. was there, and Lindsey. The rest of them were taking a break. I may get to say hello tomorrow at the funeral.

Being there among old friends, employees, and Smail family was refreshing despite being sad. Paying honor to Mark’s life, and his family legacy. I was privileged to be a part of the Smail ‘family’ for 52 years, and glad to be well received despite the circumstances. I wish them all peace and comfort in the times ahead. My heart is sad.

TRIVIA: In Which year did Art Rooney Sr. purchase the NFL franchise that would become the Pittsburgh Steelers? Answer tomorrow. (Mark was a HUGE Steeler fan – There was a Terrible Towel tucked in his hands plus a bottle of his favorite beer at his side!)

PEANUTS Thought of the Day:

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

Pinocchio Day; Skip the Straw Day; Curling is Cool Day; Diesel Engine Day; International Stand Up to Bullying Day; National Banana Bread Day; National Dog Biscuit Day; National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day; National Play Tennis Day; National Tile Day; National Tootsie Roll Day.

Tootsie Rolls were our go-to treat as children – Santa always brought Tootsie Rolls for our stocking! I’ll go with that. God bless…

Well, you all know the drill. Today was Wednesday so I cleaned the house and did some laundry. Nothing too notable. But I did forget to post the little sign from the doctor’s office yesterday. The irony was that the receptionist was NOT happy – very short with me, grumpy-faced, not friendly at all. So I hope she was happy in her heart, because she certainly didn’t share it!

I finished my chores in time to take a walk – the weather is brisk but sunny and the air felt refreshing. The little stream at the bottom of Farmbrook Drive was clear and you can see the reflection of the clouds.

My neighborhood is preparing for trash pick-up, and one person had a Christmas wreath laying in the yard. It actually still looked pretty nice!

From one spot on my walk I could see the moon to the right of me and the sunset to the left. The sky was clear.

I plan to go to Bible study tonight. I just felt I needed that mid-week encouragement.

Trivia: Answer to yesterday’s questions is THREE. Today: Mozart wrote the nursery rhyme tune ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ at the age of five.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 22nd is:

2Twenty2 Day; Be Humble Day; Great American Spit Out (???); National California Day; National Chili Day; National Cook A Sweet Potato Day; National Walk Your Dog Day; National Play More Cards Day; World Thinking Day; Supermarket Employee Day; Single Tasking day.

I’ll be humble tomorrow – I’m probably really good at it. (haha). If I had a dog, I would walk it, so walk yours! God bless…

There wasn’t much work in either store. I had a follow up in Irwin with my ENT doctor so I went down there a little early. Stopped at Goodwill and did find a frame to replace the one that the ‘ghost’ threw on the floor! Perfect size and price!

Doctor released me from any further follow-ups. If I need them, I just call and schedule a visit. All is well. I stopped at Aldi and Walmart and gathered up a few things I needed. Once I got home I changed clothes, ate some soup, then took a walk. My car was so totally filthy that I washed it. That wouldn’t be such an issue if I didn’t have to practically climb behind the laundry tub and shower downstairs to turn the outside water on. Survived that one, and now my car is clean.

It was still a bit chilly, but I did poke around in the yard and found a few of my hyacinths peeping up. There are probably more than a dozen coming through the soil, but just a few are up.

Once I came in and warmed up, I melted some of the white chocolate I bought in Smicksburg on Beef Day. So now I have a whole bag of white chocolate drizzled popcorn to snack on.

TRIVIA: – answer to yesterday’s puzzle is 1-e; 2-d; 3-a; 4-b; 5-c. Today’s trivia: How many hearts does an octopus have? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 21st is

Card Reading Day; International Mother Language Day; Language Day; National Grain Free Day; National Sticky Bun Day.

I haven’t had a sticky bun in ages. Maybe I’ll read a card. God bless….

Happy 60th birthday to Skunk Hollow cousin Holly! She makes everything fun!

I slept a solid 6 hours straight last night — unprecedented! Most of the morning was spent sharing thoughts about Mark Smail – with current and former co-workers. The obituary was in the Trib, plus a nice article. I just feel so sad. It doesn’t seem real. When I drove past the dealerships the flags were at half mast.

After work I stopped at Hempfield Walking Track and did about 1.25 miles. It was cold but sunny and it felt good to 1) walk a level track and 2) get some crisp fresh air!

I have the TV on in the background; finished the laundry, replaced the light string on the stair shelf (it was burned out last night) and hung a new little snowflake where there was an empty hook. I still have to figure out the best way to whiten the crocheted snowflake that Gen’s mom made me when I was still in high school – and maintain its integrity! (Any ideas, Gen??)

Celebrate today!

Kath sent me some photos of Tennessee – looks like it’s a very dangerous trip!!!

TRIVIA: Answer tomorrow!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 20th is:

Clean Out Your Bookcase Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Comfy Day; National Handcuff Day; National Leadership Day; National Love Your Pet Day; National Muffin Day; National Student Volunteer Day; No Politics Day; Women in Blue Jeans Day; National Chip Week (French Fries).

Mark was a community leader. My bookcases always need straightening, and I still have muffins. I could do with chips! God bless…

It has been very cold – but sunny – all day. Kathy and Paul stopped on their way to church to pick up an item that Kath left in my car yesterday. They left directly after church for Homecoming at their alum college. I left a little early for Sunday School to get things organized for the class. Max was dressed up – someone told him he looks like Joe Biden! I disagree – he is MAX through and through!

Max’s older brother JJ was baptized this morning at the beginning of church. He shared his confession of faith – and his decision to be a child of Jesus – with Todd. Then his dad baptized him. He was very excited and happy. I’m so proud and happy for him and the family.

Todd’s message was ALL PEOPLE MATTER (Zacchaeus). We must look at the people around us, then look up – that’s where our help is. People want to be seen – they are seeking value and affirmation. We can meet them at their spot – it’s where grace and sin meet and hope is born. Everyone is a puzzle piece. Without you, God’s plan will never be complete. We must Prioritize People (not plans or processes); Use relationships to build bridges; and acknowledge that there are no insignificant people in God’s kingdom. All people matter; YOU matter – to God and to me!

After church I stopped at the mall and walked as I knew it would be cold and very windy. I left my money in the car so I wouldn’t be tempted to purchase anything. There’s a little bit of progress on the ‘Santa’ train display at the mall’s center court. The train!

I did a quick clean-off of the decks and front walk when I got home, then changed clothes and made a burger for lunch. I’m still debating on making potato soup when I’m done posting this. I did the ironing and ran the sweeper and touched up a small nick on the kitchen wall. Then I printed off next Sunday’s lesson, emailed the next month’s schedule to Mary, and made my grocery list. Productive day!

Now for the sorrow. I was devastated yesterday when my friend April (who still works at Smail Auto) txt me to say that Mark Smail (Bud’s older son) passed away following a skiing incident. He loved to ski and was very good. I could barely wrap my head around it; he was 62. I called one of my current bosses and he verified the information as he has connections to the Smail family. Then about 8pm last night Don, a very dear friend and former co-employee at Smail’s (he was working there in 1967 when I started!), called me with more details. I am just broken for his family, especially his mom. Bud has been gone only about 5 or so years. Please keep the family, the Smail employees, and the dealerships in your thoughts and prayers. This will be a huge adjustment and heartache for everyone – and even I feel the sadness and loss. Praying for peace and comfort.

Scripture of Comfort:

TRIVIA: The first automobile to offer seat belts was the 1950 Nash.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 19th is:

Family Day; Iwo Jima Day; Islander Day; National Airboat Day; National Arabian Horse day; National Chocolate Mint Day; National Lash Day (Eyelash); President’s Day; Tug of War day; National Pancake Week.

I’ll try to fit the pancake in. And for sure chocolate mint. I love my family every day! And please keep the Smail family in your prayers. God bless us, every one…