Here it is Good Friday – and it was good. Very good for us. But, Sunday’s coming! Services tonight at HCC at 6pm.

I had a scone for breakfast – with leftover pink icing. I talked to Kelly and she’s still crazy busy. I couldn’t do that any more – but I spent almost 40 years DOING that! After I ate, I did a load of laundry, then boiled the potatoes and eggs for potato salad. That will be tomorrow’s job.

It was yummy!

I knew I had a little time today to squeeze in a visit to L&L Fleatique. I wanted to find a unique tea cup for a friend – which I did.

A square mug – IS unique…

But the exciting thing is that I found the tenth skunk! Glory be! I was so excited. That’s not saying that I won’t keep looking for them. But I couldn’t believe I found one. Yea! They are going to live here for a while so I can celebrate them!

Celebrating skunk number TEN!

On the way home I stopped at Giant Eagle. Kelly is bringing an apple pie for Sunday – but it’s next to impossible to bring ice cream when she leaves the house at 7:30am, goes to church, then heads straight here for 2pm lunch. So I got both chocolate and vanilla.

Plus Chocolate Fudge

When I went out for the mail I snapped pictures of the mock orange and the myrtle bed by the walk.

Myrtle

More Mock Orange blossoms

I even managed to renew my driver’s license on line. It was frustrating, because my screens were not giving me the full picture and I couldn’t get to the print button. A few minutes of dabbling and I finally got my interim license copy and my receipt. Now I wait for my ‘credentials!’

Today I am thankful for SKUNKS!

NO! not THIS kind!!!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 4th is:

International Firewalk Day; Tell a Lie Day; National Play Outside Day; National Vitamin C Day; National Handmade Day; Jeep 4X4 Day; National Love our Children Day; National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day; National School Librarian Day; National Hug a Newsperson Day; 404 Day; Black Saturday/Holy Saturday; International Carrot Day.

No lies, please- even George Washington knew that! I love my children and grandchildren and my great grandson and my friends! I don’t know any newspeople. We’re having carrots on Sunday. God bless…

Movie from 2003:

Super funny!!! An annual choice….

On this date in History: 1860 Start of the Pony Express, mail is delivered by horse and rider relay teams between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California

Today was still busy, but it was less hectic, if that makes sense. I had to work this morning, and did outside title work for my friend Mike G. Rege and I had a few fun conversations and that always makes the day go better. I left work and stopped to help Mike P with a deal, then popped into a super crowded Walmart for 4 things – of which two they were totally out of! How can a store that size be out of tomatoes?

I left there and picked up Cameron. Autmn dropped him off at her friends Alex and Arless and their daughter Olivia on her way to work. They were out for a walk, and Cameron loved riding in their wagon. And he was mostly very gentle with Olivia – but I wouldn’t totally trust that!

Olivia in one of her rare quiet moments!

We stopped at McDonalds and got him a Happy meal – which he ate most of. We went outside to play, and of course he wanted to open the shed. He likes to play with the real tools – like the rake and the shovel and the Scott’s spreader. He didn’t want anything to do with toys!

I hate to say it – but he was looking for dog poop! Didn’t find any….

Raking the dirt.

Katrina and Bella (Noah’s mom and sister) picked Cameron up about 2:30 – they were going to the new playground out Route 30 by Weatherwood. I’m sure they had fun! They are keeping Cam overnight so Autmn and Noah will get a little break, anyway!

Just one part – there are several!

I did go out to get gas for the Ford and stopped up the street at Shop and Save to get tomatoes and soft oleo, then came home and worked on the front flower bed up to the porch. It looks really nice. Still a ways to go but I’m getting there. It may take me until fall to get the spring weeding done! I also swept and cleaned up the back patio stones.

Patio

First half

Second half

The daffodils are starting to bloom.

And I’m thankful for a quiet evening inside as twilight approaches.

Four days ago – Downtown Greensburg.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 3rd is:

American Circus Day; Fish Fingers and Custard Day; Independent Artist Day; National Chocolate Mouse Day; National Tweed Day; National Parenting Education Day; National Walk to Work Day; Weed Out Hate Day; World Aquatic Animal Day; World Marbles Day; National Find a Rainbow Day; World Party Day.

It’s a little far to walk to work. We have some marbles here. No rainbow without the rain. God bless…

Country song from 2002:

Alan Jackson

On this day in History:

It’s 8pm and I don’t THINK I’ve had any pranks or jokes. Thankfully. Except I did see a post from a weather source that we were to get 11-15 inches of snow over the weekend. I’m thinking that may be an April Fools post.

I started the day behind! I didn’t get the cinnamon rolls iced last night, so after my shower I did that. Bright pink for Easter! Then I started cleaning. I was done upstairs with everything except the floors when Autmn called. She had a bunch of things she needed, and her and Cameron ended up spending most of the afternoon here while Noah did Door Dash. I helped her with some laundry while they there here. Then Noah picked them up and they switched – Noah and Cameron went to his mom’s do finish the laundry, and Autmn went Door Dashing. It was a long day for them and it’s not over yet.

Daredevils!

I did see last week (and forgot to post) that my former boss from Greensburg Pinnacle posted that his son Austen was deployed. He’s on the USS Carrier George H. W. Bush. No information as to where they are headed. In times like these it’s a scary thought – and not knowing where makes it worse. Prayers!!!

I just finished cleaning the rest of the house, Autmn’s laundry, and my laundry. It’s after 8pm and I’ll be ready for supper here shortly. I skipped lunch. I just took a walk outside and saw that my Bridal Bush is in full bloom. Mom gave me that and I’m pretty sure it was from Grama’s house.

Then I noticed that there was an ambulance across the street. Lou has a lot of health issues and has had for a long time. I didn’t keep track, but when I went up to put the laundry away the ambulance was just leaving, and Sharon followed in her car. I do hope comfort and healing for him.

By then the solar lights were on, and 2 of my flowers still work from last year.

And the moon is hiding in the clouds. I think tonight is the pink moon, about 10:15pm.

‘My’ moon!

TODAY I am thankful for baby hugs!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 2nd is:

International Children’s Book Day; National Burrito Day; National DIY Day; National Employee Benefits Day; National Ferret Day; National Love your Produce Manager day; National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; National Reconciliation Day.

I’m all for children’s books! Not so much DIY – can barely handle a hammer or a screw driver! And I was never a fan of PB&J! God bless…

MOVIE from 2001:

On this date in History: 1863 US Congress passes the first wartime conscription law, calling for the registration of all 20 to 45-year-old males. (Daniel, in my book Letters to Mary, entered the Army shortly after that!)

And so it continues! Work was fine but there were several snags – mostly with my online PENNDOT program and paperwork glitches, but I got that handled. I stopped on the way home at Gabe’s and bought a few new charger cords for my phone. I can make do now with what I have. And my case came today so I feel much ‘safer’ now using it. It’s very similar to my old case, but not as good quality. It’ll work!

New case for new phone.

I dropped a loaf of bread off at Kathy’s – as is tradition! Then I came home and made the last of the Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets into DARK chocolate covered ones. Then once they were cool I took some pretzels and a loaf of bread down to Rege (and Jean). I changed clothes when I got back and spent 2 hours outside. Got the side flower bed cleaned out and the stone borders straightened out, up to the side of the front deck. Then I just dug out dandelions and straightened the stones before I came in.

The front, by the walk.

Front by the driveway.

The upper side.

In front of the front porch.

The moon looks full tonight but I think it’s tomorrow. And it must be going to rain as there is a ring around the moon!

Almost-full….

My next project was to make the pie dough cinnamon rolls that Peyton likes (the rest of us do too!). I still have to ice them, and then grab supper. And it’s late, so this is it!

Cooling off…

TODAY I am thankful for 70-plus* weather! Beautiful!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 1st is:

April Fools’ Day; Boomer Bonus Day; Childhelp National Day of Hope; Fossil Fools Day; Harmonize your Health day; Holy Wednesday; International Fun at Work Day; International Tatting Day; Library Snapshot day; Lupus Alert Day; National Greeting Card Day; National Once Cent Day; National Sourdough Bread Day; National Trombone Players Day; National Walking Day; Passover begins; Reading is Funny Day; US Air Force Academy Day.

A friend at Smail’s used to ALWAYS pull April fools’ jokes. I wasn’t a fan. I like to send cards. I think there is a shortage of ‘one cents’; Probably won’t take a walk but will WALK! God bless…

Movie from 2000:

I think kids still watch this.

On this date in history:

Well, I had to get a phone. I was totally out of storage and most of the functions were not working. The only thing I can’t figure out is how to add iCloud storage, which has to be purchased. I will struggle through until I have someone who can help me. I’m hoping Matt will answer some of my questions on Sunday – although he does deserve a day off! SO the saga isn’t over yet.

After breakfast I went over to T-Mobile and picked out/purchased my phone. I have an iPhone 17e. It’s not the most expensive or the most hi-tech, which are basically the two reasons I chose it. I think it will be perfect for me. However – the downside (other than the crazy price!) was that I had to order a new case (it’s a different size) and the charging cubes and cords do not match. Of COURSE they don’t! I need a few – one for work, and the car, and my bedroom where I usually charge it, and the kitchen, and downstairs. So I’ll get them local and not an iPhone brand, except for the one that came with the phone.

Case I ordered.

So once I got home, I did laundry, and moved the treadmill to the garage until all the April events are over. Gives me more space in the family room.

Stuck in a corner with other stuff for a few weeks!

I mixed up bread very early, and used my new Tupperware mixing bowl. I had the other one since I was in my early 20’s so it was well worth waiting for. I just took the bread out of the oven and it smells wonderful!

New bowl

I also made the Oreo ice cream dessert. It’s re-freezing in the upstairs freezer. Then I made a nice batch of chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets. So those are checked off the list.

Oreo Ice Cream dessert

Pretzels

I’m going to try to make the little cinnamon roll cookies this week. I know Peyton loves them.

photo from my archives.

I have the little heater on under my desk and have the farm video playing in the background. My stomach is a little unsettled – no wonder! But I’ll eat a piece of homemade bread – still warm! – with butter for supper. That should be bland enough to settle it down.

TODAY I am TRYING to be thankful for a new phone!

Plain old black one – I cover it with a case anyway!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 31st is:

Anesthesia Tech Day; Eiffel Tower Day; Holy Tuesday; International Taco day; National Crayon Day; National Farm Workers Day; National Prom Day; National Tater Day; World Backup Day.

Stay focused on the holy week events – God bless…

MOVIE from 1999:

I don’t think I watched this one – but I think the kids did.

On this date in History: 1867 The United States buys Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000 (109 million in 2018 dollars), roughly 2 cents an acre.

OK – so my phone is out of storage no matter what I do. I’ve cleared out settings and turned the phone off and on and even tried sending photos to my email with my tablet. So I’m not going to be able to post much. I’ll have to get a new phone – I was hoping to hold off but looks like I’m stuck. So I’ll let you know what’s going on but looks like I’m taking a break from the Word Garden for a few days! I tried Facebook and did manage a few photos!!!

I did get the rest of the grass cut, pulled some weeds, and straightened out the border stones in the back.

stones

Front yard

The Violets are blooming….

TOMORROW March 30th is:

National Virtual Vacation Day; National Turkey Neck Soup Day; National Pencil Day; National Doctor’s Day; National I am in Control Day; National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

I want a real vacation. My sister loves pencils. And I seem to never be in control! God bless…

Again I had a slow but steady start to the day. I got the car loaded (only a few things, really) and headed up to church before 11am. There was such an energized crew working to set up. And the place was amazing. I was so excited for Cameron, Autmn and Josie to get there! Here are some of the ‘stations’ set up for the kids.

Photo op backdrop.

Penguins

Antarctica

Jungle? Australia??

Zoo

The penguin tunnel they crawled through to the ball pit.

The stone is rolled away! He is Risen!

The kitchen served hot dogs and sauerkraut, chip snack bags, cookies, bottled water, and eggs and eggs full of candy. There were probably 150 kids through the maze (plus parents and other family), playing games and climbing and crawling.

Check in table and the maze to the games.

Shirley – one of the hot dog ladies!

Face Painting – a bunny!

Going into the Animal Hospital

So much to do!

After they played games they could come out for Story Time – which was my part. I told the story several time, and the kids that came to listen sat very still and really paid close attention. I used my flannel boards and they loved them.

Times….

My story station – complete with the flannel boards and my Snoopys!

Telling the story.

I stayed over an hour and helped clean up – it sure was a chore. Thankfully there were a lot of helpers.

Part of the clean up team.

And Cameron had a great time, especially in the ball bins – where there were eggs hidden. My favorite was the forest scenes – there were actually two stuffed skunks in that one!

Cameron – always happy!

Forest (Skunks are out of view on the left)

Here are the skunks.

Once I got home I took a few items down to store in the shed and decided to check on the mower. It was pretty chilly, but I did get it started and cut the bottom yard. I believe the temp tomorrow is to be considerably warmer so I hope to finish the yard after church.

Back yard is mowed.

I found my mock orange in bud, and a few grape hyacinths in bloom. And that was it for the day. I have to dismantle the flannel boards and put the pieces away.

Mock Orange

Clusters of Grape Hyacinths

Disheveled flannel boards.

TODAY I am thankful for the prediction of warmer day tomorrow!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 29th is:

World Piano Day; National Smoke and Mirrors Day; Psalm Sunday; Payday it Forward; Texas loves the Children Day; Vietnam Veterans Day; National Nevada Day; National Pita Day; National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day; National Education and Sharing Day; British Summer Time Begins; Holy Week; Mermaid Day; Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day.

Niagara Falls has always been running when I was there. Palm Sunday was part of my story time today. I can play around on the piano a little; used to have a Wurlitzer Organ. Never met a mermaid or been to Nevada. God bless!

Song from 1998:

I just Want to Dance with You.

ON this day in History: 1797 Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire patents a washing machine.

I had trouble keeping my dates straight today! There’s a lot going on the next 10 days and I have to keep on schedule. I changed my sheets today rather than Saturday since I have more to do tomorrow. It’s the Easter Egg Hunt at the church and I am the story lady. So I typed out my notes and double checked my flannel boards. Everything is set to go!

Eight flannel boards tell the story!

Also checked that my new spritzers were ok – spraying correctly and not leaking, etc. All is well there!

Autmn and Noah took Cameron on a walk the other day and sent me pictures. Looks like he really loved the creek!

Water is a FAVORITE!

What can I catch???

Climbing is so fun.

With momma

With Dad

I sat down after breakfast and organized my shopping lists into one. I started at Ollies and got the Scott’s Turf Building that was a really great price. They also had a nice price on casual deck chairs. I threw 3 away last fall that fell apart so I wanted to replace at least one. I think that’s enough for now.

Very precarious cart!

but I like the chair a lot.

TODAY I am thankful for being inside on a colder day!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 28th is:

National Respect your Cat Day; National Black Forest Cake Day; National Something on a Stick Day; National Weed Appreciation Day; Barnum & Bailey Day; Earth Hour; Eat an Eskimo Pie Day; National Amber Day; National Hot Tub Day.

I have never appreciated weeds! Not sure what I’d eat on a stick, and I’m not a fan of Black Forest cake. So — God bless!

MOVIE From 1997:

What an amazing movie. But I’ll probably never take a cruise….

On this date in History: 1863 American Confederate President Jefferson Davis calls for a day of fasting & prayer

You never know what a day will bring! I did have a few deals to do in Jeannette. Sir Rege and Colton had to run a vehicle to the shop, so I stayed and watched the store for a bit. The phone didn’t even ring so it wasn’t an issue!

I stopped at TJ Maxx and got an oil spritzer. I thought it would make sense than buying PAM all the time. It was way more reasonable than I expected. I bought Autmn one, too. I’ve used up all the credit on my gift card so I guess I won’t be hanging out at TJ Maxx’s as much these days!

Autmn and Cam stopped for a while and brought lunch, and sat and visited for a bit. We went outside for a short time after that, and Cameron was looking for ants, which he found plenty of!

Waiting to go outside

I’ve had a long day – so I’m going to cut this short. I’ll catch up tomorrow. God bless!! TODAY I am thankful for watching the neighbor’s horses!

See the second one standing in the trees – with his tail to us.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 27th is:

International Scribble Day; National Cherry Blossom Day; National Skipping Day; Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day; Wear a Hat day; World Theatre Day; National Joe Day.

I do miss seeing my Joe from Greensburg Pinnacle. I generally scribble when I write, but not on purpose. And I LOVE quirky song titles! God bless…

TODAY is

MOVIE from 1996:

Appropriate for tonight – we have tornado warnings until 11pm.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1945 United States Marines raise the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi, during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a typical Wednesday, where I did the cleaning and laundry and trash, etc. It was just a tad chilly and damp to work outside, so I didn’t attempt that. Hopefully soon! But I did find the missing PEEPS finger puppet while I was cleaning!

I talked to Autmn this morning – Cameron wasn’t feeling well last night, but seems he’s feeling better this afternoon. Always hate it when the kiddos aren’t up to par.

Older photo….

Other than that it’s been a stay inside, stay at home day! Work in the morning. And today I’m thankful that I could stay home all day.

No we don’t have snow — another thing to be thankful for!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I didn’t wear an apron….

TOMORROW March 26th is:

National Equal Pay Day; National Nougat Day; Good Hair day; National Spinach Day; Live Long & Prosper Day; Major League Baseball Opening Day; Make up your Own Holiday Day; Wear a Hot Day.

TODAY is nine months until Christmas day! I can name several people I’d like to have equal pay with! No spinach, please. And probably no hat. Definitely no baseball. As for a national holiday – maybe Be Kind to Everyone Day! God bless….

MOVIE from 1995:

A classic!

On this date in History: in 1967 BUCK OWENS and his Buckaroos released WHERE DOES THE GOOD TIMES GO.