First off, I will recap last night. It was late when I got back from ushering so I didn’t want to add anything to the day’s post. But as typical, I got a picture of the courthouse in town, which is blue this weekend.

The play (as mentioned) was Cabaret. It was almost a sold out performance, and there were a lot of younger people there. Bear did not have a lot of ushers so I was glad I could help out. The young girl (high school age) that helped me usher was to her own admission a ‘theater’ kid. Her mom was the director of this play. She said her favorite show (that she was in) was one of the orphans in ANNIE. She was very animated and you could tell she loved the theater.

We had quite a time with the Egyptian plagues in Sunday School. The kids did not understand the death angel at all. I think we are going to spend next week going over it again. I did make sure the parents knew what we had discussed.

We stopped Sunday School early to have a celebration for Shanelle. She loved her gifts and was very excited about a cross necklace and a girl’s devotion book that her class gave her, but she was also excited about the little stuffed unicorn. I was glad I remembered that she liked them; she had a unicorn jacket on this morning.

At the beginning of the church service Shanelle was baptized and professed her faith in Jesus and her desire to be a Christian. She just kept saying ‘I’m so excited!’ We will miss her, and since she’s moving to the state of Washington it’s unlikely we will see much of her. Please say a prayer for her and this move with her father. It will be a huge change and not an easy transition.

Todd’s message was EAGER TO SHARE – that is our purpose as Christians to share Jesus and the gospel. It should be our focus, to win people to Jesus. We can always say ‘I WAS… then JESUS… Now, I’m…’ Our weakness is buried with Christ and we are a new person. Just like Shanelle! Sometimes it IS hard to speak up, and we can’t do life without the Spirit – He’ll help us, because it’s for His glory. But He needs us, and uses us to reach others. Who is the one waiting for YOU to share?

Max and his brother JJ seem to come from a divided house! JJ and his dad are Team Forty-Niners, and Max is with his mom on Team Chiefs! So there’s a healthy family rivalry going on there. We’ll see who comes out on top!

TRIVIA: In his lifetime, Thomas Edison patented 1,093 inventions. We give him credit for ONE!!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 12th is:

National Football Hangover Day; Darwin Appreciation Day; National Hug Day; National Cleanout Your Computer day; National Lost Penny Day; National Poop Day.

I’ll take the hug, and the lost penny! I love finding pennies on the ground. Found one yesterday! God bless… Go Steelers! (Wait – they aren’t playing…)

Oh, Poop!

I took today to have a slow start – and spent about 45 minutes reading before I even got out of bed! I was almost finished reading the BREAKERS book and wanted to get through it. Took two sittings but I finished it. I thought it was much more complex and detailed – with TONS of twists and turns – than the Hallmark movie (which was still very good!).

I changed the sheets and washed them, threw on old clothes and took a walk to beat the rain that didn’t come! I showered and ate breakfast then ran errands. My intent was to make 3 stops – I totally forgot the first one until I was home! But Autmn txt me and asked for a ride to her mom’s. When I got to her place, I found out that Josie’s cousin (Josie is Autmn’s sister) wanted to spend the day with them, so we took a long detour and picked Arora up – with a short stop at Shop and Save to get a few items for Cameron. SO all in all my short little jaunt took me almost 4 hours!

When I got home it still wasn’t raining, so I took another walk – it was 60*! I came across a cat that truly was a FAT CAT! It’s a wonder it could walk. And the horses where outside their barn today.

Today is Chinese New Year – the year of the dragon. Reminds me of Puff the Magic Dragon. Everyone sing!

OH! And when I was on my way to Autmn’s there was an animal rescue set up outside Walmart, and the ‘cat’ agreed to have his picture taken!

Then I finally got the courage to put up the picture shelf I bought earlier in the week. The lady at the craftique shop gave me a hint about easy hanging and it worked. So now all I need is for my other two grandkids to graduate so I can add their senior pictures to the shelves!

Tonight I am ushering for Bear at the Civic Center then I’ll be done for the evening. We still have not seen the predicted rain which is ok with me! The double walks felt good today.

TRIVIA: On average, it takes people about 7 minutes to fall asleep. I’m definitely not average!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 11th is:

Super Bowl Sunday; National Peppermint Patty Day (the candy or the PEANUTS character??); Get out your Guitar Day; Don’t Cry over Spilled Milk Day; National Shut-In Visitation Day.

I won’t watch the super bowl – but good chance with the peppermint patty – both or either! No guitar and I don’t drink milk – so — whatever you do, enjoy. God bless…

I got a lot done in the morning even without actually meaning to accomplish that much. I made breakfast, did laundry, balanced my checkbook, paid some bills, and emptied the dishwasher. I also made an appointment to have a little spot checked on my face (dermatologist). By then it was time to pick up Christina.

We made a quick lunch first, then I found out that the interview was being videoed so I changed shirts and combed my hair! She had the questions already written out and they prompted a couple of crazy memories. She really seemed to enjoy hearing the answers and looking for some photos in my senior yearbook. Then she downloaded and transferred the video to her school file. It was actually fun to do!

Chrissy’s friend Hope walked over, and the girls made brownies. While they were baking I went for my walk. We transferred the brownies to a portable container and I gave them the icing, and then took the girls to Nate’s.

Autmn was there with Cameron so I got to see everyone but Jen, who was at work. It was fun seeing Cameron get so excited with us all fussing over him.

I headed down to Irwin to grab a few things – something for a little friend at Church who is moving out of state to live with her father. I hope it will help her remember her friends from Hempfield church.

TRIVIA: The answer to yesterday’s questions is PIANO – but I will accept Typewriter as well!! Today’s trivia is: on this date in 1964 the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 10th is:

National Home Warranty Day; National Cream Cheese Brownie Day; National Umbrella Day, Valentismas (Fun! Look it up!); Chinese New Year; National Flannel Day, Teddy Day.

No cream cheese, but we have brownies! I found another website so we’ll see if there are more interesting ‘national days’ that pop up. Eat a brownie! God bless…

It was a beautiful day! Almost 60*. I took a 1.24 mile walk after work and it was very comfortable. Then I came in and cleaned the whole house and washed a load of towels. It’s just now 8pm and I finally finished.

On the way home there was a train blocking the back entrance of Big Lots, Walmart, etc, across from Gabes. I feel like a little kid when I hear a train whistle! This is the second time this week a big black and yellow train came down those tracks. Fun!

Autmn txt me that Cameron did end up with a fever last night, and the only way he’d sleep was to hold her hand! At least they were both able to get some sleep. He was fine this morning.

I don’t think I mentioned that on Monday Nate had to get another cancer spot off his head, this one closer to the top. It was very small and shallow and the surgeon felt that they got it all. They have to wait for the pathology report to come back.

Again this morning my friend Tom posted a sunrise. It was beautiful. I saw the beginnings of the sunrise out my bedroom window but it wasn’t as spectacular as Tom’s picture.

Now it’s time to come up with something for supper. Autmn finished off the potato soup yesterday so I’ll find something else.

Trivia: Yesterday’s answer was FIVE – each sister had the same brother. Today’s trivia: What has many keys but can’t open a single lock? (I know this one!) Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Cut the Cord Day; National Pizza Day; National Bagel and Lox Day.

Tomorrow Christina has to ‘interview’ me (actually, a Hempfield Alumni, but she picked me!) so I’m picking her up at school in the morning. Hoping it doesn’t rain! God bless…

This morning I took Cameron to his 4 month checkup, complete with immunizations. He did really good but at the second of injection he screamed! Made me want to cry myself! But Autmn is good at consoling him. She had him in his little blue shark robe to keep warm and he looked so cute.

He took a few short naps but didn’t eat quite his normal amount. He definitely wanted to be held more, but he played on the floor with his little activity table and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for a long time. I hope he’s comfortable tonight. While Autmn was feeding Cameron I took a quick walk around the block. It was good to get a little fresh air.

This is short tonight – But really, all I did was help with Cameron. I work tomorrow so that will mix up the day a bit.

Trivia: Yesterday’s answer – The movie BIG. Trivia for today: Mary has four daughters, and each of her daughters has a brother. How many children does Mary have? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Giving Hearts Day; National Hearts Day; National Kite Flying Day; National Boy Scouts Day.

Since I didn’t clean today I’ll tackle that tomorrow after work. Maybe I’ll listen to Greg’s message and read a few chapters in my current book. I’m re-reading Murder at the Breakers to compare it closely with the movie. So far it’s a fair amount different but it’s super fun to have an image of the characters in my mind! Have a happy Thursday and God Bless…

I was able to arrange my day to drive out to Rural Valley for Connie’s husband Wayne’s viewing. It was very crowded and the line never let up for a second. Colleen was there at the same time and we stayed for a little over an hour. It was nice to meet Connie’s two daughters (and their husbands) and son, and her granddaughters. Colleen pointed out a few people to me that she knew, but mostly I only knew my cousin Gail and Connie’s sister Karen. Wayne was a farmer and they had little cows sitting on the photo table. Very touching.

Colleen said that today is her parents’ 65th wedding anniversary. They were planning to go over to Smicksburg to get something special to eat. Happy Anniversary, sweet couple! Here is a picture of their wedding day – My mom on the left, Aunt Joan, Uncle Clifford, and possibly Clifford’s brother Jim – not sure!

It was very crowded and the line was very long and stayed long. Once it was obvious that it wasn’t going to let up, Colleen and I left – there were plenty of people there for the family. I made a snap decision to turn down Sinktown Road and drive past all the familiar places. I just took my time, since I had cleared the whole day for my adventure.

When I went out Crooks Road (past Grama’s old house) and got to the end, I noticed that at the last farm one of the horses was running loose. The black horse was looking on – probably wondering why he was stuck while his buddy was running free!

After a quick stop at Walmart for a few items, I drove by Kathy’s to drop off the memorial leaflet from the funeral home for her. Then I came home and took a 1.23 mile walk before setting about answering emails and having a cup of tea. Once I post this I’ll be done for the evening except for supper.

Trivia: What movie earned Tom Hanks his first Academy Award nomination? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 7th is:

National Girls & Women in Sports Day; National Periodic Table Day; National Fettuccine Alfredo Day; National Send A Card To A Friend Day.

For me it’s take Cameron to his doctor’s appointment day! Four month checkup! I’ve sent out about a dozen cards to friends in the past few weeks so maybe that won’t get done. Have a happy Wednesday! God bless…

Worked both stores, and had a few things to do at each one. Came home and had a salad for lunch, started a load of laundry, and took a walk. Autmn txt me to watch Cameron for an hour or so which was fine. Figured I’d better quick do the ironing as it would be later when Cameron left. Here’s a yard sign I saw on my walk; I think it was left over from Christmas because they still had their lights up!

Cameron was asleep when he got here, but as soon as he woke up and had a diaper change he was laughing and talking. He likes his toes, and when he’s sleepy he tries to sing! I put a little play table sideways and he was batting the little knobs and buttons to make them play. Then he gets excited! He’s a good baby.

Trivia answer from yesterday was Scotland! Today’s trivia: Cutting out meat for one day a week can lower your risk of certain health issues.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 6th is:

National Chopsticks Day; Safer Internet Day (U.S.); National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day.

I need to get supper and get organized for tomorrow. I have something going on every day this week. I’ll try to pace myself! Have a great week – God bless…

I decided that I was going to try to drink more water every day. So, that sort of backfired. I was up every hour going to the bathroom. I felt like a bag of popcorn – up, down, up down. But I’m still going to try to drink the water – just maybe not quite so much, at least to start with. I’m feeling sleepy right now – the only thing helping is the beautiful sunshine!

Our Sunday School lesson was the 10 plagues. As I predicted, the boys were all in! They had lots of support stories about blood and flies and frogs. I txt Mary and said we had better stick to 5 plagues today and 5 next Sunday and it’s a good thing we did. There was a lot of time spent discussing their personal experiences in addition to those of the Egyptians! I think they had a good time. They thought it would be interesting to see a frog sitting on my head…

When I got home I decided to bite the bullet (not the frog) and wash the Jeep. A trip to Smicksburg and several to Nate’s did a number on the car. I bundled up in layers, got my soapy water and rags ready, hooked up the hose, and dragged the step-stool outside – and realized that I had turned the spigot off inside for the winter. SO… I had to go inside and climb up on the step stool and turn the water back on behind the laundry tub. It was a little chilly but it was worth the effort. I’d be embarrassed if the guys got a customer on my car and I had to switch out a filthy vehicle. All good!

I made a pretty good salad for lunch – lettuce, cauliflower, carrots, celery, boiled egg, cheese, and chicken. Plus a small piece of garlic bread. I’m saving the potato soup (which I did make last night) for supper or tomorrow.

Friday night I watched MURDER AT THE BREAKERS and really enjoyed it. Of course it was somewhat different from the book, but all in all it was a pretty good adaptation. The fun thing was the setting, and the characters, and the story line was easy to follow while still weaving a mystery though the clues and the hints. I hope Hallmark keeps going and picks up more of Alyssa’s books. I’d be super excited if my book was picked up as a movie, especially for Hallmark!

Trivia: Unicorn is the national animal of what country? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 5th is:

National Shower with a Friend Day; National Weatherperson’s Day.

No shower for me, thanks – Tomorrow is a work day and do some laundry. Have a happy Monday! God bless…

I woke up with sunshine streaming in the windows. Maybe Phil was right… But it’s still winter! I changed and washed my bed sheets, and remade the day bed in the Flag room where Logan slept since I washed the sheets and aired the bed clothes. I still have to iron.

Got word yesterday that our Skunk Hollow cousin Connie’s husband passed away yesterday. He had been having health issues for the past year, but any loss is a hard loss. Please keep Connie and her family in your prayers as they say goodbye to Wayne.

Today was the day: I cut up my cauliflower and celery, shredded the carrot, and made the cream of cauliflower soup that we had at the Life Group Kickoff last week. It was very good! I also marinated and baked the left-over chicken from the soup Kelly and I made on Monday. I will use it for salads. I want to do potato soup but whether that will be today or tomorrow is yet to be determined.

Just had a txt from Kathy, and she and Paul are both not feeling well. They had a pretty full schedule for the next 3 days but sometimes life hands you a FREE SPACE – like it or not. Hopefully a few days of rest and recuperation will put them back at the top of their game! Fell better quickly, guys!!

I forgot to post the picture of Cameron making friends with my little stuffed purple Maine Moose. A friend from Smail’s (Jenn) bought that for me in a trip she and her mom took to Maine (her favorite place!) a few years before I retired. He really loves talking to it and hugging it!

TRIVIA: Explore different budgeting methods to find one that works for you. What works for someone else may not be right for you.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 4th is:

National Hemp Day; National Homemade Soup Day; National Create a Vacuum Day; National Thank A Mail Carrier Day.

HEMP is what Hempfield Township was named for. And I will certainly be having homemade soup tomorrow. After church! God bless…

Before I even got a shower this morning I had a txt that Punxy Phil did NOT see his shadow. That means (if you trust a rodent!) that spring will be early this this. I think it’s a very fun tradition and seems to be safe (for the most part) but spring is 6 weeks from today no matter how you slice it!

Again, here’s a reminder of my aunt’s collection. She has fun getting them out every year!

And just a little history (if you didn’t know or forgot) The first Groundhog Day celebration was held in 1877 at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. The tradition of using a rodent to predict weather dates back much earlier and was brought to the US by German immigrants. Today the celebrations are led by the Inner Circle, a group wearing top hats and who speak in Pennsylvania Dutch. Sidenote: This year Gov Josh Shapiro attended the ceremony!)

So — after that excitement, I did several loads of laundry, did a bit more cleaning, paid bills, ran an errand, took some donated items to Nate’s for Jen’s Ninth Life rescue, then went to pick up Autmn and Cameron in Mt. Pleasant. We had a nice day – I played with Cameron, fed him, gave him several naps, had lengthy conversations, and changed a few diapers. Autmn got a shower, made herself lunch, watched one of her shows (on her phone – Cameron and I were dominating the TV!), washed all of Cameron’s dishes and bottles, made chocolate chip cookies for Noah, and then she played with Cameron and I cleaned up the cookie dishes (not many).

I know you all probably get tired of seeing Cameron pictures – but he’s growing so fast! He had little tennis shoes on today! He’s laughing and ‘talking’ and even rolling over from his back to his tummy. He grabs and holds things, and when he doesn’t want to go to sleep he snatches his binky out of his mouth and tosses it! He loves music and TV and moving lights, and loves kicking his play arch that makes animal sounds when he kicks the buttons. I think his favorite is the dog! Anyway, it was fun to have an afternoon with them.

Tonight on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Alyssa Maxwell’s MURDER AT THE BREAKERS is premiering! Kathy and I have read all of her books to date. It’s very exciting and I’m so looking forward to it (9pm).

Trivia:

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Today’s birthdays: My cousin Danny, who passed away this past year, was born on Groundhog day – Miss you Dan! Also, my friend Diane’s daughter Shannon’s birthday is today. On her 50th birthday (a few years ago) she finally got to go to Gobbler’s Knob, and even got a photo taken with some key participants. Happy birthday, Shannon!

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

National Play Outside Day; Four Chaplains Day; Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; National Missing Persons Day; National Women Physicians Day; National Carrot Cake Day; National The Day The Music Died Day.

I’m guessing that you can figure out that tomorrow is the anniversary of the plane crash that took Buddy Holly and two other music artists. Far too young… I could play outside, and have ice cream for breakfast. So far as I know, I’m not missing any people – unless I miss my Mom and my grama and my step daughter and Dad…. God bless….