It’s 5:20 and it’s dark. BUT starting tomorrow the days get a little longer every day! Summer’s coming!

I started the day with an appointment in Jeannette with my cousin Paul. There were a few other things to do down there. The guys all got together and gave me the loveliest card! It’s one I’ll keep… Also a gift card and as usual Ken gave me a bag of Brookside dark chocolate covered pomegranates! Yum! It’s a splurge I don’t indulge in on my own!

There were a few things in Greensburg, as well, plus I hung around and talked to Ken for a few minutes. then I zipped over to pick up Shannon and get her to Norwin Square for her shot. It was a little longer than she expected but went well. On the way home I stopped at WOW outlet – all their Christmas merchandise is on sale at least 50% off. I spent $1.06!

On the way home I snapped a photo of the courthouse and a church with a red door. The wreaths made it look so festive!

It was after 3pm when I got home so I grabbed a bowl of soup and organized things. 3/4 of the lights on my Williamsburg tree were out so I un-strung them and put new ones on. It was so much harder when it was fully decorated and it doesn’t look as even as it was originally but it is much better lit than burnt out!

Tomorrow I believe Autmn and Cameron are coming up and I’m cooking my little piece of ham. And hopefully making fudge. We’ll see what the day brings!

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TOMORROW December 22nd is:

National Date Nut bread Day; Forefathers’ Day.

Counting down to Christmas! Hope you’re done shopping. Have a great weekend. God bless.

I took my time doing chores today — cleaning, laundry, small clean-ups. I had a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup for lunch. I hate to say that that’s the most of what I did today.

BUT – I was doing laundry and my drains started acting up again. The floor drain was surging a bit but thankfully didn’t come near to the top, or overflow. The downstairs toilet was bubbling and gurgling worse than before the plumber came out to clean the drains. I paid a good amount of money to have those drains handled and am certainly distressed that it is acting up. I called the company (I have a 60 day guarantee) and they scheduled me for next Tuesday. I can only hope that it doesn’t get worse or over-flow before then. Thankfully our family Christmas is the 28th!

I txt Autmn and told her to send me a picture of Cameron just to cheer me up! So even though you get overload on the Cameron pics here is another one!

Tomorrow I have a full schedule but Friday Autmn and Cameron are spending the day. I’ll just hang in there until then!

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TOMORROW December 21st is:

National Maine Day; National Flashlight day; National French Fried Shrimp Day; Anne & Samantha Day (Day of Summer & Winter Solstice); Yule – Day of Winter Solstice; Winter Solstice; Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day; National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day.

Lots to celebrate – but most of it centers around Winter Solstice — shortest daylight day of the year. Plan something fun to do in the dark – maybe eat shrimp in Maine? With a flashlight? God bless…

Last night with baby Cameron went so well — too well, in fact! He slept most of the time he was here. But we had almost an hour while he was awake. He had a bottle, got a clean diaper, and then he laid on the floor the rest of the time. He loves to kick against things, so I slid him close enough to the couch so he could kick and push. I held his little musical hand toy, and it flashes lights and plays music and talks to him. He loves it! His eyes get wide and bright and he kicks and waves his little arms! It was a fun time.

After the kids left, I watched the CMA Country Christmas special. It was refreshing that most of the songs were traditional Christmas Carols. There were a few that weren’t – like ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Beer for Santa’. The performers were great. I have always loved Lady A, and of course Amy Grant (co-host with Trisha Yearwood), and Lainey Wilson. Great addition to the holiday celebrations! I also put my cell phone shelf up – all by myself!

Went to bed last night with a coating of snow everywhere. Woke up to the same. Neither store had anything pressing, so I stayed put and cleaned off the driveway, walk and porch. I was just finishing up when Nate called to see if I could go pick up Chris at school at 11am. Sherree wasn’t comfortable driving. The roads were all clear and dry so of course I agreed.

I picked her up, stopped so she could get food at Wendy’s, then dropped her off at home. She was struggling with something and feeling a little down so we took some time to talk. Not sure if it solved her issue but maybe she’ll be able to get through it better.

My chores for this afternoon were to make chocolate drizzled popcorn – it turned out ok but I think I used the wrong popcorn. I bought corn puffs and should have bought hull-less popcorn. In the meantime I can eat it (no problem there!) and I’ll try again after Christmas.

I had a friend stop over to help me with something concerning the house, and when he left I made stuffed pepper soup. Of course the first thing I did was splash a few spots of tomato sauce on my white sweatshirt! I scrubbed it right away and got it out. Whew. I just had a bowl for lunch (I know – it’s 3pm! Running a bit behind) but it was very good. Best I’ve made in a while!

I’m listening to CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY in the background. It’s definitely a movie worth watching!

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TOMORROW December 20th is:

Go Caroling Day; National Sangria Day; Mudd Day; International Human Solidarity Day.

I may not leave the house but guaranteed I will sing! I have Christmas CD’s on all the time! Sing – and God bless…

I am watching Cameron for a bit, and I don’t think I’ll have time to get organized and post anything this evening.

So I’ll catch up tomorrow! Stay safe!

TOMORROW December 19th is:

National Oatmeal Muffin Day; National Hard Candy Day.

God bless!

Today was the last Sunday School class until January 7th – so we finished up with the Wise Kings, did a nativity craft, had red velvet cupcakes and DQ ice cream for Max’s birthday, and gave the kids their Christmas stocking. I was disappointed that Cody and Jackson were not there for Sunday School – but I saw their mother after church and gave her their treats. Grace and Max were there – and Max was listening to the lesson while eating a cookie!

We got new tables and chairs in the Welcome Center, and a few new decorations.

Todd’s message was very good – The Peace of Christmas. It basically dealt with being too busy, stressed, distracted during the holiday season. PEACE is the gift of life as it was meant to be. We need to remember that more stuff, more work, and more life does not give us peace. ‘Hurry’ and ‘Love’ are incompatible, as are ‘Hurry’ and ‘Peace’.

I came home from church and made a smaller batch of potato soup – I used the rest of the potatoes and then had a bowl for lunch. After I post this I plan to dig out an old black and white Christmas classic movie and watch that, then pay some bills. Sarah posted pictures of the Word of Life Christmas program – Millie is in front, right – at the mic!!!

SO … Yesterday’s Christmas party! We arrived at Colleen’s at about 2 minutes until 2pm. Her house is so delightful. It’s a classic farmhouse that is exquisite! The holiday decorations are perfection and entirely suitable for the home. It takes her a week to switch out all her everyday décor and transform the house into CHRISTMAS. Here are a few pictures of her house.

All ten of us gathered with food and hugs and stories and laughter, taking pictures and eating and visiting. It was a wonderful day; balm for the soul and spirit. We have a way of lifting each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joy and concerns, and reminiscing. I don’t know how we would get through life without each other.

Colleen’s granddaughter Aleah makes jewelry, using resin and molds and paints, and she brought four trays down for us to look at. Most of us bought something – I bought two pair of earrings, snowflakes and stars. Such a great job!

Traditionally I will write and then read out loud a story – mostly about growing up together, Skunk Hollow, HOME, evoking memories. This year it was a fictional Christmas story about our parents growing up.

And it was a special treat to have Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan join us for dinner – lasagna, salad, garlic toast, Uncle Clifford’s homemade apple sauce, broccoli casserole, and Jello-pretzel salad. And I can’t begin to share the snacks we had – but my two favorites were the hullless buttered popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and buffalo chicken dip and chips. It goes on and on from there. And of course, M&M’s!

When I say our lives are enriched and blessed by our relationships and friendships it is not an exaggeration. We love and support each other in every way, through good times and bad, and I’m honored and humbled to have each and every one of them in my life. Merry Christmas, cousins!

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TOMORROW December 18th is:

World Arabic Language Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day (PLEASE don’t tell Jen!!!); International Migrants Day; Answer the Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (“Buddy the Elf; what’s your favorite color?”)

That would be a fun thing – to catch people off guard when you answer your phone! Have a good time and a great day. God bless…

Today was such a fun day! Everyone – all 10 of us – were there, plus Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. I will expound on our adventures tomorrow – but for today I’ll just post a few pictures and head to bed. It’s after 10pm and I’m getting tired. And I need the pictures that Beth took, which she’ll probably send tomorrow.

When I climbed into bed last night I looked at the lights reflecting on my window and decided to share. The panes reflect multiple images and it’s cool. Also, while I was waiting for my rice bag to heat, I noticed the reindeer antlers at my neighbor’s house. That is one HUGE reindeer!

As usual, I changed and washed the bed sheets. I don’t know what it is about my dryer, but almost every week the sheets come out rolled like a sausage! I don’t think that is supposed to happen.

I’ll fast forward to Smicksburg – Kathy and I stopped at Donna’s store to get cheese. I wanted to get a thank you for Sir Rege for handling my car yesterday and he loves cheese. Two little Amish boys came into the store and bought a two liter of Pepsi — with a baggie full of quarters and dimes. Then they walked up across the mowed corn fields toward home.

So that’s it for today – and I’ll do the Skunk Hollow Christmas Event tomorrow!

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TOMORROW December 17th is:

National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brothers Day.

You’d think Maple Syrup Day would be more in line with a sap harvest. Oh, well. Enjoy your Sunday! God bless…

What a day – I felt like I was slinging around on a Merry-go-Round! But I got to see both my girls and baby Cam.

First I had breakfast here for Diane. We had scrambled eggs and scones. We also covered about every topic there is, from Native Americans to traveling Wise Men – and back to babies and housing options.

When Diane left I went to the high school to pick up Chrissy. She’s on work study and classes are over at 11am. From there we picked up Autmn and Cameron and ended up at Panera Bread for lunch. Cameron slept through the whole thing.

The girls wanted to browse (and spend) at Five Below so Cameron and I drove (well, I drove and sang) around the parking lot till they finished.

We ended up at Gabe’s as they both had shopping to do. After two years of searching I finally found St. Patrick Day blankets! So now I have Kelly’s coveted blanket for her.

I paid for the blanket and Autmn’s purchased and took Cameron to the car. He finished his bottle and I put him on the seat. We played with his light and sound toy and entertained each other until the girls were done shopping.

I dropped Chrissy off at home (she had to work this evening) and then Autmn mentioned wanting to go home. I was surprised but I took them down. I felt like I didn’t get enough time with them today and was feeling bad. 🙁 But Autmn sent me a picture of her and Cameron in their robes! So crazy cute!

It’s a good thing I did that, because the car had been throwing warning signals all day. I dropped Autmn and Cameron off and went straight to Pinnacle. Rege put me in another car – a Jeep Cherokee. I got gas, then met Kelly’s family in Youngwood to pick up items from a 4-H fundraiser. Now I am in for the evening.

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TOMORROW December 16th is:

National Wreaths Across America Day; National Chocolate Covered Anything Day; Barbie & Barney Backlash Day.

Tomorrow for me is the Skunk Hollow Christmas event at Colleen’s. I SO need that. These girls are such a critical part of my support and delight system! Choose something delightful, and celebrate. God bless…

I was busy all day – Worked in Jeannette, then went to Greensburg. Stopped at Shop and Save to get a shrimp ring and see if they would cut a Superior Ham for me – they wouldn’t. But I got the shrimp. I got gas for the Jeep then stopped at Walmart for a few other groceries. But Sir Rege called and had another deal that needed done today. So I went back down there.

Just as I got in the door at home Mr. G called about going over my annuity which we needed to make a change on. He left, and I mixed up the scones for tomorrow’s breakfast with Diane. I had a doctor’s appointment at Norwin Square, then was home about half an hour and left again.

I met Teresa at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and we attended a lecture about Creating Common Memory. It wasn’t what either of us thought it would be, but I think you always learn something from these presentations.

We also watched a digitalization of some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s unbuilt works. That was pretty amazing. And the Festival of Lights outside was beautiful.

I got there early enough to get the sunset and the courthouse dome. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m going to grab something small to eat and settle in for the evening. Tomorrow I have breakfast here with Di, then have to pick up Chrissy at school, then probably get Autmn and Cameron (and she does have one more gift to buy!) so another busy day!

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TOMORROW December 15th is:

International Tea Day; National Wear Your Pearls Day; National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day; National Cupcake Day; National Underdog Day; Cat Herders Day; Bill of Rights Day.

Gen, if you read this, have a cup of tea and pretend we are together! Miss you! I have Mom’s pearls and Grama Crooks’ pearl earrings. Kelly makes a mean cupcake, and Jen is always herding cats! God bless!

As usual for a Wednesday I spent the day cleaning. Also as usual, I picked up a few tasks as the day went on. But got everything done, including a load of laundry and taking the trash to the road. I also keep moving this snowman (from the Ninth Life Auction) around as I haven’t found the ideal place for him yet!

Tonight was Don Wassel’s annual Wassel-ing party. He has it every year. Don was working at Smail Auto (Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury, actually!) when I started there in 1967. So we’ve been friends for a very long time. He just moved from a huge house up on the hill to a smaller, one-level house at the bottom of the hill. It’s a beautiful home, and you would not know it was smaller. But, as his wife Sharon says, THERE ARE NO STEPS!

I was even impressed with the rest room! Beautiful!

The only other people I knew well enough to chat much with were Dan and Gail Robertson. Dan also worked at Smail Auto and still does. We had a nice evening, chatting about life at Smail Auto! It was light hearted and comfortable — no ‘gossip’ stuff. Dan’s sister is deaf, and we chatted a little about that, as well. I have a little connection with that subject!!!

Since it’s later and I’m tired that’s it for today! Have a happy Thursday!

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TOMORROW December 14th is:

National Alabama Day; National Bouillabaisse Day; Monkey Day.

Don’t think I’ll jump on any of those. I’ll just go to work and be happy! God bless….

Had a few things to do in Jeannette this morning, including a short chat with Sir Rege. Greensburg, not so much. From work I went straight down to get Autmn and Cameron. We had two Christmas presents to get from Autmn, then came home and just hung out all day. Cameron had fun hanging out at Mimi’s house.

I fed him his lunch bottle and he fell asleep afterwards. I thought it was super cute they way he threw his arm over his face – like it was all to much for him!

Since I didn’t get the ironing done last night as expected, I put Cameron in a box to watch Toy Story (which he did seem to enjoy!) and finished my chores.

I even read a little of the current book I’m into. There was a quote that I really liked: You can’t pour out of an empty cup. Stop, refresh and refuel, and fill up!

Noah has to make a stop at his dad’s on his way here to pick up Autmn and Cameron, so I thought I had better get my post done and finish the evening – otherwise it will be too late to get finished! Cameron is sleeping and Autmn just ate a few slices of Pizza from the freezer.

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TOMORROW December 13th is:

National Guard Birthday; National Violin Day; National Cocoa Day; National Day of the Horse; Pick a Pathologist Day.

Tomorrow is clean the house day, then a small Christmas party at a friend’s new house. Hope your day is fun. God bless…