November 21, 2023

What a miserable day! I’m still climbing out of my funk – my planets were definitely not aligned today! But lots of good things so Hazard yet Forward! It HAS been cold and rainy all day which was good for staying inside!

Planets Visible Tonight | Planet Alignment 2023 | Planet ...

Stopped to get gas in the Nissan and saw a purple Christmas tree truck! Cool! Then picked up Autmn’s friend Alex and took him to Mt. Pleasant. They are having friends-giving tonight. Nice to catch up – haven’t seen him since their high school graduation.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-164.png
THAT is PURPLE
Alex

I got to see my baby for a minute when I dropped Alex off! He is such a sweetie! Can’t wait to see him on Thursday! I’ll let everyone else do the dishes and I’ll play with Cameron!

Isn’t he adorable???

Kelly txt me a picture of the Christmas tree that we found but was out of stock. She ran over to Ohio and found it there and it is now decorated and set up, ready for their family Christmas tomorrow. She also found the earrings I was looking for yesterday. So she’s my hero!

Kelly’s new tree
Stocking earrings

Ron – from Florida – sent me photos of his four-day trip to North Carolina with his friend – little cabin in the woods; great for hiking and horseback riding. The horse decided to get in on the action!

I’d rather go in the summer when I could wade in the creek!
No horses for me! Ever!

Ginny – a long time friend that lives a few blocks away – txt me and we made a breakfast date for next week. It will be fun to catch up! She is the one with the twin black poodles.

Ginny and dogs

I spent a busy afternoon getting a jump on Thanksgiving prep. Stuffing bread is pulled and ‘resting’, brownies are made, potato salad is done, as are the deviled eggs. Those are things I won’t be tempted to nibble on – except maybe the brownies and there are LOTS of those! Three containers!

Brownies – one of three containers
Potato salad
Deviled eggs
One of the eggs had a double yoke. Long time since I’ve seen THAT!

I hope to finish the ironing tonight and get cleaning and more food prep done tomorrow. Looks like a 50% chance of a little sun peaking through tomorrow. I will like that!

8,507 Peeking Sun Images, Stock Photos, 3D objects ...

Scripture:

100+ Bible Verses For Funerals | Find the Perfect Scripture ...

Quote:

24 Meaningful Loss of Father Quotes - Remembering Dad Quotes

TOMORROW November 22nd is:

National Tie One On Day; National Jukebox Day; National Cranberry Relish Day.

Tie One On actually celebrates aprons, and the preparations for Thanksgiving meals. It’s also the anniversary of the assassination of JFK. What a dark day for our country. Choose something joyous to celebrate, like aprons! God bless…

Posted in Uncategorized

November 20, 2023

I had a little issue pop up last evening (just a frustration) and I kept going over and over it in my mind. Then I couldn’t fall asleep! I know I’ll be ready to head to bed this evening. But I woke up and got a shower, and felt refreshed and ready for the day.

Girl insomniac has confused thoughts in her mind at night, covering her face with her hands Girl in depression has confused thoughts in her mind at night, covering her face with her hands.Tired woman suffer from insomnia, sleeplessness, sleep disorder, nightmare.Vector illustration in flat insomnia cartoon stock illustrations

I loaded all the little items I needed to take to Kelly and headed down Interstate 70 about 8:30am. It was cold but sunny and nice and I made good time. Our first stop was Walmart, and she found a few things she needed. I stumbled (figuratively) across Snoopy window clings and was very excited! Also picked up a card of little star decorations to hang in the kitchen.

She surprised me with the shirt that she designed from a post card I got in Williamsburg back in April. I love it! And it’s a great color. It’s the coordinates for Williamsburg, my happy place!

We also stopped at Gabe’s. I had some ideas but nothing panned out. I did find a Christmas sparkle tee shirt that was less than $3. Just for fun!

We also stopped at Big Lots, which was in the same plaza as the tech school that Logan is attending. So now I got to see where is classes are!

Logan’s school on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Of course we picked Chick Fil-A for lunch. We had nugget meals, and Kelly got her requisite Peppermint milkshake! We went to Hobby Lobby next. That store is amazing! And all their Christmas things were 50% off. I did pick up a few small gifts there, and the Christmas colored sprinkles that I couldn’t find anywhere here.

When we were leaving I spotted a purple Mitsubishi in the parking lot. Maybe I could get Barry or Joe to find one for me! As I was heading home down I-70 it zoomed past me!

But we had a lovely day, shopping and talking and sharing ideas and info. It’s a great delight and privilege to spend the day with my sweet daughter! Blessings abound!

Right behind Kelly’s car

Kathy forwarded a copy of HDS (Hearing and Deaf Services) newsletter. She was featured employee! So proud of her!

HDS Team Spotlight: Kathy Staff Interpreter Each month, we’re
proud to introduce one of the dedicated team members who power
our mission. Introducing Kathy – Staff Interpreter.  Kathy has been a part of the HDS family since 1985! She started as an independent
contractor, and then moved into a staff role 16 years ago. Her work
includes filling out interpreter requests and interpreting throughout the community. When asked why she wanted to work at HDS, Kathy
said, “I wanted to provide services for an underserved population
and share the beauty of sign language.” Please say hi to Kathy next
time you’re visiting! 

Scripture:

Pin on DECOUPAGE IDEAS

Quote:

41 Sweet Happy Valentine's Day Quotes For Daughters | YourTango

TOMORROW November 21st is:

World Television Day; World Hello Day; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Red Mitten Day; National Stuffing Day.

Stuffing day will be Thursday. Say hello all the time – that’s how friendships start! There is a red mitten in my Christmas story. God bless!!!

Posted in Uncategorized

November 19, 2023

I was already in bed (reading) last night when Autmn sent me the photo of Cameron with Santa. Noah’s grandfather is a ‘professional’ Santa and agreed to let Cameron visit for photos. Cameron seemed to have made friends with Santa already!

Cameron with Santa

Today was our Serve Sunday at Hempfield Church. There were several groups going out into the community after an early church service.

Some options of service were helping with the soup kitchen in Latrobe, yard clean up, minor home repair. Fixing a sidewalk and repairing a fence and helping seniors with home projects. Our group (headed by Patty Buschek) went to Mountain View Memory Care at Willow Crossing Road.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-132.png
Patty getting us organized

Many of the residents there gathered in the common room to listen and to sing along. Patty is amazing – she played and sang for an hour, and didn’t have a book or any music in front of her. Never ceases to amaze me. But the people gathered around loved the sing-along. There was one lady who reminded me of Mom. She had silver hair, a sweet smile, and knew every word to every song! She was even wearing Snoopy slippers!

The lady with the red blanket reminded me of mom…
With her Snoopy slippers
Getting ready to listen

We sang hymns, Thanksgiving songs, and Christmas Carols. It was fun seeing them so animated and participating. I was the photographer, and sent photos to Todd when I got home.

Mixing with the residents
More mixing
The whole group

Todd’s message was about generosity from Acts 20:35. GIVE! Sometimes we have to give by grace because it’s difficult during trying times. 1) Joy is our best medicine, and giving produces joy. Be generous time and time again, with your time, talent, and money. 2) Be generous. Give more than you think you can. 3) Give because of what Christ did for us. Can we do less?

Our Stage background.

As mentioned, the month of December’s sermons will be Home for Christmas. It was delightful to see the Welcome Center and the Sanctuary decorated for Christmas; homey and warm and bright! I loved every little thing – even the twinkle lights on the stage. They were really flashy!

Lanterns on the Welcome center tables
Something for the kids
Photo ops
Welcome center info
A comfy place for Todd and Heather

Scripture:

Psalm 69:30 Illustrated: "Sing! Sing!" — Heartlight® Gallery

Quote:

Amazon.com: Funny Music Lover Quotes Singing Singers Long Sleeve T-Shirt :  Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

TOMORROW November 20th is:

World Children’s Day; National Absurdity Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; National Child’s Day.

Tomorrow for me is a short trip to Washington (PA) to shop with Kelly. Hope we can accomplish what we need to. Either way, we’ll have a great day just being together! God bless…

Posted in Uncategorized

November 18, 2023

Normally I at least have one thing that I did during the day that I could document — today, not so much.

Lazy & Boring Days | Xuejiao's House with the White Picket Fence

I did change my sheets and wash them. Oh, yea… After breakfast I drove down to the Grandview Fire Hall Flea Market. They had honey there – local, from Jeannette – so that saved me a trip to Irwin to get it. I bought a little Snoopy insulated bag and a very nice (brand new) canvas shopping bag. Still had the tags on.

The title work appointment I had went smoothly – the customers were impressed with the process compared to the last one they had. I guess it took forever and was very expensive. So they felt comfortable with today. I came home and had a little ham and cheese roll snack.

Ham and cheese

Every Skunk Hollow Cousin event that we have I try to write a little essay or story to share – it started back when we first started our Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest event. Susan always asked me to write something fun for us. So now I do it partly to honor Susan (and at Beth’s requests!) and partly because it always stirs up fun memories for us! So I just finished a little story today, and hope that it creates warmth for our cousin group.

One of the earlier Skunk Hollow events

We picked Beef Day – January 27th! Kelly’s birthday. So if she goes, we will have to sing to her!

Baby Kelly

Not much else to report. Have a lovely Sunday and enjoy!

Scripture:

Kind Words Are Like Honey | Bee quotes, Bee happy quotes, Quotes about  motherhood

Quote:

101 Bee Quotes That Are as Sweet as Honey | LoveToKnow

TOMORROW November 19th is:

World Toilet Day (??? Is this really necessary? The day, not the toilet…); National Play Monopoly Day; National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day.

I guess just celebrate the best you can and God bless!!!

Posted in Uncategorized

November 17, 2023

I got up earlier than usual for a Friday, and the sunrise was beautiful. As usual my friend Tom posted a picture, as well!

My picture
May be an image of horizon and twilight
Tom’s picture

Then I mixed up homemade bread. I let it rise the standard amount of times and just formed it into loaves. It’s resting now until ready to bake.

It’s pouring down rain – I knew we expected rain but did not realize it would rain hard all afternoon. It’s so dreary. I am glad Autmn, Cameron and I finished our shopping and are tucked inside. Noah is still at work.

Autmn is holding a sleeping baby and watching season six of THE CROWN. In the episode we are watching now Princess Diana just died in the car accident. It’s very sad, especially for the boys.

The Coca-Cola London Eye to host speakers series dedicated ...

Autmn said that she baked a special cake for Noah’s 21st birthday. I should have posted it on Sunday but it got away from me. So happy belated birthday, Noah!!!

Cameron had an entertaining time in his play space after lunch. He likes his little book, and also the music in the pack n play. He was good today. Autmn and I stopped and got a few warm sleepers to get Cameron through the next few months. Then she made herself lunch while I finished feeding him.

Scripture:

Quote:

Joy Quotes - One Mind Dharma

TOMORROW November 18th is:

National Princess Day; National Adoption Day; National Vichyssoise Day; European Antibiotic Awareness Day; Mickey Mouse Birthday.

Yea for Mickey Mouse – 95! And all of us (little girl or grown up girl) are a princess, so celebrate your life! YOU are special. God bless…

Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie Vector By Solzii On Deviantart | Mickey mouse  steamboat willie, Mickey mouse cartoon, Disney art
Posted in Uncategorized

November 16, 2023

I had deals at both stores today, stopped at the store to get beef gravy for my meatloaf, and picked up some things from Diane on my way home. She is leaving Wednesday or Thursday for her Granddaughter’s wedding in Wisconsin. Praying for safe travels and no bad weather! That’s a long drive – 11 hours without stops.

Wisconsin Images – Browse 63,627 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe  Stock

The first thing I did after lunch was to suit up and cut the grass. It solved the leaf problem because the mower mulched them. I did a final weed-whacking for the year and blew the spaces clean. That should hopefully be it for the year!

Probably last cut of the year.

Once I was inside I made the ham and cheese rolls, and also a batch of cinnamon muffins. I ate 2 small rolls when they were done, and plan to have a muffin with a cup of tea for supper later.

Ham and cheese rolls
Muffins

As I sit and type the solar flowers are changing colors. Kelly called and we are planning to meet in Washington PA for our shopping trip on Monday. I’m ready!

Solar flowers glowing

Scripture:

The Amazing Spiritual Significance of Bread in the Bible

Quote:

2,667 Bread Quotes Images, Stock Photos, 3D objects, & Vectors |  Shutterstock


TOMORROW November 17th is:

International Students’ Day; National Butter Day; Substitute Educators Day; World Prematurity Day; National Homemade Bread Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Baklava Day.

I hear that there is to be a meteor shower tomorrow. And Autmn, Cameron and I are going shopping then coming here for the afternoon. I also plan to make homemade bread! Have a lovely day. God bless…

Posted in Uncategorized

November 15, 2023

*NOTE! I think my computer has a virus and the post didn’t go through last night. But all is well. Thanks, Beth, for checking!

So, the meatloaf last night was not up to standard. I think I added too much garlic powder. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I may get a jar of beef gravy tomorrow and see if that helps. Ugh.

760+ Meatloaf Gravy Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...
Stock image

So, since I worked at cleaning all day I don’t have anything exciting. Didn’t hear from anyone except a guy (2, actually) who needs title work done. I have to check with my boss to verify the Saturday hours. The other one is tomorrow so I can do that in the morning.

Man cited for abandoning car he hadn't owned for a year – The Morning Call

Today’s post is just sharing photos from my friends. The first one is from Diane – her daughter (who lives in Florida) sent a pic of a double rainbow. I think the picture looks like a giant bubble.

Lori’s rainbow

The only other thing is several sunsets that friends posted. God was painting amazing pictures in the sky tonight!

May be an image of twilight and Monticello
Williamsburg
May be an image of silo, twilight and nature
Ken B – Laurel Highland Photo Group
May be an image of the Queensboro Bridge
Posted by Karen U. (Pittsburgh)
May be an image of twilight, horizon and cloud
Tom B.
May be an image of twilight and cloud
Cheryl M.
May be an image of twilight, tree, nature and horizon
Marty H
May be an image of nature, water, ocean, twilight and horizon
Danielle J-T

Please add Kelly to the prayer list – she txt me last night that she was feeling horrid – so we had to cancel our plans for today. Just praying that she feels better quickly – we can reschedule our time together whenever she gets well!

October photo

Scripture:

Pin on Sunrise and Sunset

Quote:

150 Best Sunset Quotes - The Ultimate Collection - World of Lina

TOMORROW November 16th is:

World Pancreatic Cancer Day; International Check Your Wipers Day; International Day for Tolerance; National Rural Health Day; National Indiana Day; Great American Smokeout; National Button Day.

If you are a smoker, consider making an effort to quit – do it for YOU! And I like buttons! God bless…

Last year’s Skunk Hollow Cousins Christmas button project.
Posted in Uncategorized

November 14, 2023

There was only one small thing to do in Jeannette, aside from debriefing with Sir Rege :). I didn’t go to Greensburg because Joe just got back from Florida and brought an illness with him. He advised me to wait until Thursday, which I am doing. I stopped at Walmart on the way home and got my Thanksgiving groceries, including the turkey. I had to clean out the freezer to fit it in but all is well.

Autmn, Noah and Cameron stopped here for Noah’s birthday card, and I offered to keep Cameron while they ran errands. I have been so caught up in the schedule and the hectic pace that I neglected to realize that I was missing my baby hugs! We had some great conversations (although he doesn’t contribute much), snuggle time, food, and naps (his, not mine). I was happy to have him, and he was a very good baby!

He likes the soft blanket
Snuggling with Mimi
My pumpkin boy
Bye baby – see you Friday!

While he was playing in his pack n play I was able to do some ironing, pay a few bills online, and catch up totals in my checkbook. And I still had plenty of time to spend with Cameron.

Got the ironing done and put away –
tidy laundry room!

Once they left, I mixed up a meatloaf and stuck it in the oven for dinner later. I emptied the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen and put the laundry away. It’s been a calm day and relaxing.

baking meatloaf

Quick update on Beth – surgery went very well and she can already see better. And she’s feeling comfortable! God is good, all the time!

No photo description available.

Scripture:

Proverbs 6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the  hands to rest,

Quote:

20 Sleep Quotes - Cute Good Night Quotes

TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Education Support Professionals Day; National Bundt Day; National Raisin Bran Cereal Day; National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day; National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day; National Philanthropy Day; America Recycles Day.

My fridge is clean. Let’s go with that! Have a great Wednesday. God bless…

Posted in Uncategorized

November 13, 2023

It’s colder today than I thought it would be with the bright sun. It is now setting behind the hill across the street and will soon be totally dark. Last night my deck lights where playing tricks on me so I unplugged them. Today I did some wiggling of plugs and light strings and they seem to be working normally.

I worked both stores, got stuck in traffic in front of Barnes & Noble, stopped at the post office to get stamps, put gas in the Nissan, deposited a check in the bank, stopped at Aldi for cookie baking supplies. After lunch I wiped out the dirty oven, did a load of laundry, washed a few windows, filled the soap dispensers, and answered a few emails. So wonder what I can get into next?

Christmas Snow Globe stamps

Today was a tough day for the Skunk Hollow girls, so here is the prayer requests – please take a moment to lift them up! Beth is having cataract surgery tomorrow. Gail and husband Jack are getting over COVID and Gail is having a tough time recovering. Connie’s husband Wayne – who is in a nursing facility – also has COVID, along with about 40 residents and staff in the facility. Kathy is fighting a lingering cold (not COVID), and Karen V is still trying to correct a back issue that keeps her in constant pain. So please remember them often in prayer. Thank you!

No photo description available.
KATHY, Colleen, KAREN V, BETH, CONNIE, Gwen
Me, Karen O, GAIL

Even though the day was busy, it wasn’t ‘crazy’ and it wasn’t ‘exciting’. That’s OK – I had a comfortable day, and have a Hallmark Christmas Movie that I hope to watch later over dinner. Have a lovely day!

A Heidelberg Holiday (TV Movie 2023) - IMDb
On Hold for later…

Scripture:

Inspirational Bible Verse Pictures: Share Images of Scripture Quotes

Quote:

TOP 25 PRAYER CHANGES THINGS QUOTES | A-Z Quotes

TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Seat Belt Day; National Family PJ Day; World Diabetes Day; National Spicy Guacamole Day; National Pickle Day.

My family would never wear matching PJ’s! I think they are cute! They would have to include Snoopy. God bless!

Peanuts Christmas Pajamas - CollectPeanuts.com
Posted in Uncategorized

November 12, 2023

Sunday school was a bit of a challenge this morning, but we got the lesson across and the kids had fun. Jackson was excited to get his puzzle together in record time! His mom said that Jackson and Cody talk about Miss Mary & I all the time – they love class! And Max came flying into the classroom with a little gift for me. After the trying week I had it almost made me cry! He was SO excited to give it to me!

Jackson’s favorite puzzle
My little Snoopy snow globe from sweet Max!

Todd introduced his sermons for the rest of the year – December sermons will be HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. I’m excited to hear them! Today’s topic was UNITY- we forget that Satan is the enemy, not each other’s opinions. We need to remember that 1) We need each other. 2) Always share what you stand FOR, not what you are AGAINST. Believe the best in people and situations. 3) Love like Jesus loved – we are not always right but we should always be loving. Sort of like my favorite quote: It’s better to be kind than to be right.

December’s sermon topic

Gen posted a picture of her granddaughter Hadley – who lives in Denver – running her first 5K. GIRLS ON THE RUN. Her dad (Gen’s younger son Daniel) was her support coach. Good job, Hadley!

May be an image of 9 people and text

I had a bagel for lunch, then rearranged my living room. I did not like the layout – it was crowded and made navigating the space tricky. So now it’s back to open spaces and easy access to the stereo – which is vital!

Straight shot to the corner stereo
More open…

After that I put on my leaf-raking clothes and went out to clean up the small bit of leaves in the yard. I only filled one additional bag.

The trees are almost empty

Although I have been intimidated by my baking and some cooking capabilities, I mixed up a batch of Candy Cane cookies. Disaster. They do taste just fine, but the kitchen was a total mess and the cookies look like they were trampled by an elephant. I tried to use red sugar left over from the peanut blossoms but that didn’t actually work. So half way through I switched to regular sugar which worked better. They are tucked in the freezer. Two more kinds to make before the holidays – but not this week!

They don’t look much like candy canes…
The red sugar was a mistake…

Almost a scripture:

Quote:

Choosing Kindness Over Being Right When It Comes to Politics | Beth K. Vogt

TOMORROW November 13th is:

World Kindness Day; National Indian Pudding Day.

See! Kindness is SO important! Be kind to someone tomorrow – and every day. God bless…

Posted in Uncategorized