February 21, 2024

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.

Look at 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.

Sunset – not sure what the blue dot is – Aliens????
Moon rise.

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

Understanding End Times Prophecy – Part 2 - Grace Point
Maybe a tad intimidating….

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

About – Looking for Stars

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

May be a doodle of text

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…

In remembrance of Tazz
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February 20, 2024

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!

Photo re-framed.

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.

All 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.

I think this will be purple
Guessing dark blue for this one.
Pink?

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.

White chocolate drizzled popcorn.

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.

Octopus with heart

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

May be an image of text that says 'DOV Wouldn't it be nice if life were like a DVD... And you could fast-forward through crummy times. FEBRUARY 20'

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….

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February 19, 2024

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

Queen-for-the-day Holly

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.

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!

Stream running through the walking track
Still snow!

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??)

New string of lights
Snowflake needs help

Celebrate today!

May be an image of Mount Rushmore and text

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

Paul about to be eaten by a bear!
Kathy in the shark’s mouth.

TRIVIA: Answer tomorrow!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

May be an image of text that says 'PEANUTS THAT'S RIGHT! 心 ANYONE RAISED IN A LOG CABIN HAS A GOOD CHANCE OF BECOMING PRESIDENT! PNTS SCHUCZ'

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…

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February 18, 2024

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!

Our Max

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.

Sharing his profession of faith with Todd
A tender shared moment
Down into the water – wash away the old sinful life
Up out of the water -a new creation.
Dad Joe and J.J.

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!

Zacchaeus’ Sycamore tree.

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!

Mall Easter kids’ 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!

Snow is melting – what I didn’t clean off.

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.

Mark Smail
Mark Smail

Scripture of Comfort:

Pin on Truth

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

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Pin by Anne on Snoopy | Quotes to live by, Positive outlook, Snoopy

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…

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February 17, 2024

There was a lot of snow this morning – here are some pictures from late last night. Thankfully, only a dusting on the driveway so I didn’t have to shovel or throw salt. I got busy and changed my sheets, then did laundry, and was having breakfast when Kathy called. We made a plan to buzz up to the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast to their trail shop, then drop off a book at Beth’s in Indiana.

Front porch about midnight.
Back porch at midnight.
Midnight in the snow…
We made it – but it was closed!

Well, best laid plans! We left Greensburg in a snow squall, but it reseeded and we headed up Route 22 to Dilltown with sunny skies and clear weather. It’s been a long time since we’ve actually got to visit so it was a nice trip. However, when we got there, the Dillweed was closed! Probably because of the snow. We knew the hours were ‘iffy’ in the winter but they had been open Thursday and Friday. We parked the car and took a short walk down the Ghost Town Trail, which had not been touched except by animals, who left a lot of tracks.

The creek from the bridge
Other side of bridge.
Lots of animal tracks on the trail
Beautiful day – snow on the trees, blue sky, white clouds…
Lots of snow, but we had more here.

I took pictures of the creek and the trees, and we got a distant picture of a flock of turkeys crossing the trail in front of us. Also got a few pictures of them tramping around in the woods beside the trail but they are tricky to see in the brush.

Part of the flock crossing the road.
You can see turkeys in the center left.
Flock of turkeys in the very center of photo – look closely they are hiding!

We headed back towards Indiana and called Beth, but she and Harold were on their way to a Florida vacation! So our best laid plans… We stopped at a Fleatique in Blairsville and walked around, then swung into Dollar Tree for Kathy to get items for her grandchildren who are also traveling to Florida for vacation in a week or so.

Shelf of Snoopy items in the Fleatique.
No, I didn’t buy anything!

I dropped her off at the house, came home and changed the laundry load, then baked the chicken that I had marinated. It is currently sending a yummy aroma though the house!

Baked marinated chicken pieces.

TRIVIA: 88 out of 100 people put on their right shoe first. (Did you just check to see which shoe you picked up first???)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 18th is:

Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane day; National Battery Day; National Drink Wine Day; Pluto Day (Planet, not the Disney dog!); Thumb Appreciation Day; World Whale Day.

I use a lot of batteries – I have lots of battery lights. I like my thumbs, they are very useful. Have a great Lord’s day and God bless…

cow plane | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Ummm… Just – NO.
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February 16, 2024

For some reason it didn’t seem like Friday to me. I did laundry, emails, some cooking, straightened up a bit, and was just trying to sort my afternoon when Autmn answered last night’s txt message. So I got organized and went to pick up her and Cameron. He’s just so crazy cute!

Cameron and Autmn Rose

Autmn wanted to make Stuffed Peppers (not the soup) for Noah, so we stopped and got ingredients. Cameron was in a good mood and was playing and laughing a lot.

Playing with his Moose
Evidence of a baby in the house!

When he finally got cranky-tired, I held him and started singing to him. When I started singing ‘Mocking Bird Hill’ he looked up at me and laughed out loud. He just kept giggling – a belly laugh! – and snuggling next to me. It was the cutest thing ever! I enjoyed holding him while he took a little nap, so Noah and Autmn could eat in peace!

Napping…

It started snowing about 15 minutes before Noah got here – and it’s still snowing. I try not to stress over the kids being out on these roads with the baby – but they are young and will go anywhere any time any hour! So far it isn’t sticking to the roads or my driveway so hopefully they will make it home with no issues. I got the kitchen cleaned up (I sent the left-overs home with Noah!) and started the dishwasher, and when I finish this I’m done for the night. Tomorrow’s itinerary will depend on the weather!

Blue lantern in the snow – back porch
A little snow in the back yard.
Red lantern in the snow – front porch.

TRIVIA: Yesterday’s answer is CARROT! I TOLD you it was really bad! Today’s TRIVIA is: Take a trip to Finland and stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can sleep inside a glass igloo and experience the Northern Lights! (I’d love to – as long as it’s warm enough!)

SO COOL!!!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

May be an image of flannel and text

TOMORROW February 17th is:

My Way Day; National Cabbage Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day; Who Shall I Be Day; National Red Sock Day.

I could do the socks, and be kind. No cabbage. Think I’ll be myself! God bless…

Cotton Rich Scallop Pattern Childrens Red Socks | Cachet Kids

(PS – Autmn just txt that they are home – 9:45pm!)

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February 15, 2024

Let’s see if I can do justice to what I did with my day! Jeannette wasn’t too busy, but I did get caught up in a few things at the Greensburg Store. I was done a little early, so I buzzed up to the Mall (which was still closed at 10:30am) and walked a mile and a half. They are starting to set up for the center court Easter display – but I think they were a little confused. Santa?

Getting ready for the Easter Bunny
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Ummm… Easter Bunny??

There is also a reindeer display outside of LIVE Casino. I stopped at Barbara Ann’s Country Store and looked around, but wasn’t inspired to purchase anything. I left there and went to Diane’s to pick up some extra food she had, which included a big bag of green beans. I snapped and washed them and just finished cooking them. Supper!

Reindeer
Green beans

Diane’s daughter Shannon is having surgery tomorrow. Please keep Shannon in your prayers. This surgery should give her a lot of pain relief! Shannon had a cross stitch Snoopy ‘bookmark’ for me! She’s always finding little Snoopy treasures!

I got a card in the mail today from Beth. She sent me a poem that Aunt Hazel (her mom) wrote for Kelly when she was little and broke a nail. I’m excited to share it with Kelly – it’s pretty cute – and silly! The card was the bell tower in Stowe VT at the retreat inspired by the Von Trapp family – who inspired the Sound of Music. How cool is that??

Not sure you can read it – I wish I knew what year this was!!!

Dramatic sky tonight – one little pop of light peeking through.

Sky
Peek-a-boo!

I moved some things around in the house – just on shelves and a few photos. I was standing by the closet and I heard a loud crash and turned around – a picture fell off the wall across the room, and the frame broke (thankfully not the glass part!). So I put it in a different frame which was much smaller, and looked strange where it used to hang. So I just started shuffling things. Not sure why the picture fell – put things are a little different.

Picture in a much smaller frame – I’ll eventually get one that I can include a mat. Tonia (my niece) took this photo.
Rearranged shelves
A little different…

Answer to yesterday’s trivia questions was JEWELRY! Today’s TRIVIA: (Bad Joke) – What’s orange and sound like a parrot? Answer tomorrow (and it’s REALLY bad!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 16th is:

Do A Grouch a Favor Day; Friday Fish Fry Day; National Almond Day; National Caregivers Day; No One Eats Alone Day; Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Lots of good things to consider. So far I have no plans to leave the house. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. God bless…

DIY Girl Scout Cookies - Just Amorous
Yum!
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Valentine’s Day 2024

Wishing you all the sweetest, happiest, filled-with-blessings, God’s love come down celebration! Love you!

As is typical for a Wednesday, I spent the day cleaning and reading. But unlike my typical Wednesday, there was more cleaning than reading! I’m reading MURDER AT ROUGH POINT and I keep going back to 2022 and looking at the pictures that we took when we were there. I’m just about half way done.

Murder At Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell - Penguin Books Australia

The ‘neigh-bors’ were out together today – doesn’t happen that often. They had their coats on because it was cold and windy today. I did go for a walk but I was bundled up, too!

Chrissy’s mom posted some pictures of Cameron – which I ‘borrowed’ to share!

TRIVIA: After Chocolate and flowers, what is the most popular Valentine gift? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 15th is:

Annoy Squidward Day; National Gumdrop Day; Singles Awareness day; Susan B Anthony Day; Make Mine Chocolate Day.

How in the world would one go about annoying Squidward? Hmmm. Not a fan of gumdrops, but I’m always very aware that I’m single! And I’ll take the chocolate. God bless…

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February 13, 2024

HAPPY GALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL MY GIRLS OUT THERE! Love you!

Today at work was like the Twilight Zone. Everything we attempted was like putting a squared peg in a round hole. Nothing really felt right. But we got done what had to be done and got a decent grip on the next steps. I was going to stop at the mall and walk but it was sunny and bright, so I came home, changed, and got my walk in.

New Balance 855 Womens Walking Shoes - Sweatband.com
I wish these were my shoes; they are super cool!

I just started my walk when Chrissy txt to ask for a ride to Autmn’s. We made plans for after my walk, then I picked her up and we headed to Mt. Pleasant. Autmn had a few things to do first, so I dropped her off at Hope’s Chrissy took pictures of the clouds for me on the way down. A lot of dramatic patterns!

When Hope and Chrissy got to Autmn’s they sent me a few pictures of Cameron. I was sad that I didn’t get to hug him today! Hopefully Thursday or Friday.

It looks like he’s trying to find me!
Hope lovin’ on Cameron

Diane sent me pictures of her and her friend Walter learning to tap trees for maple sap. She just had surgery on her right hand so she was slightly handicapped!

Walter and Diane
Diane with her tap instructor!

So I have HOME TOWN (HGTV) on in the background. Just a few small chores to do this evening; then tomorrow I will attack the cleaning of the house. We never did get the snow or rain that was predicted so we’ll see what transpires during the week.

Erin and Ben

TRIVIA: QUOTE by Robert A Heinlein – ‘Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.’

Clipart - Hearts for Valentine's Day
My Family!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

SNOOPY MARDI GRAS I'M JUST HERE FOR THE BEADS | eBay
Snoopy is going a little risque!

TOMORROW February 14th is:

Ash Wednesday; Have a Heart Day; International Book Giving Day; Library Lover’s Day; National Cream Filled Chocolate Day; National Ferris Wheel Day; Read to your Child Day; Valentine’s Day; National Organ Donor Day.

Looks like the focus is on reading, and I’m great with that! You can be sure I will take all my cleaning breaks READING. God bless…

Start ’em young!
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February 12, 2024

I’m sitting at my desk having a cup of hot tea. I used my cute little new honey spoon. I spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen, which is not my favorite place to be. It’s a lovely kitchen; I just don’t especially like to cook! I made a huge pot of Stuffed Pepper Soup and a batch of Cinnamon Streusel muffins. But that was after work.

My honey spoon and local honey
My PEANUTS tea mug

Jeannette was slow, but Greensburg had a few things on my desk, and Joe was in a mildly chatty mood. So it was a pleasant morning. After getting gas in the Jeep, I picked up a few get well cards before heading home. Did a load of laundry then started cooking.

Soup…
Muffins…

I was half-way through that process when I got a txt from my tax lady, Valetta, and she was ready to meet me so I could give her my documents. We met at Lynch Field and I was tempted to take a walk around their walking trail, but I had already walked the neighborhood and I had several things pending at home.

Ugh

Just a few minutes ago the sun was reflected in the windows of the homes on the far hill. But now it’s cloudy and overcast. The fluffy clouds have all floated away.

Look at the clouds!

There’s ironing to do later, and I should replenish the Coke, Mountain Dew and water in the little downstairs fridge. You never know when the kids will pop in and need something to drink!

Pretty empty.

On this date 24 years ago our beloved Charles Schulz passed away. Kelly made me a tribute collage and I still have it. PEANUTS and I were both born in 1950 – the first strip was published on October 2, 1950. Mr. Schulz’s life – and those of his characters – was very interesting and creative. I have a great respect for his talent and humor. He has brightened and delighted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, young and old. Thank you, Charles Schulz!

May be an image of 1 person, studying and text
May be a cartoon of 1 person and text that says 'THANK YOU!'
Kelly put this together for me the weekend Charles Schulz died.

TRIVIA: In 1952 Queen Elizabeth was named “Time” Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year’.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

February 13, 2000 – his farewell panel

TOMORROW February 13th is:

Galentine’s Day (Look it up – it’s women celebrating their FRIENDS!); Get a Different Name Day; Fat Tuesday; Kiss Day; Mardi Gras; National Apology Day; National Cheddar day; World Radio Day; National Pancake Day (IHOP).

I sort of like my name, and undoubtedly I’ll have to apologize to someone before the day is out! Not a fan of cheddar put I do like pancakes! And I do like to listen to the radio. God bless…

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