I keep getting notices from CVR (Penndot online program) about the installation of the newest system upgrade. They will not update until we have completed the training. Three hours don’t seem like much until you have to sit here and do it. When I get back from vacation I HAVE To sit down and just do it!
Can’t let this be me!!
Today I started out cleaning the upstairs. I got half done and had to buzz down to Youngwood for my chiropractor appointment. I was gone a little over and hour – came back, grabbed a snack, finished phase one. A storm blew through with downpours – it felt like night!
About 9am.
Diane has been keeping me updated – she’s in North Carolina on a mission trip (she does that regularly!). The views of the mountains were stunning! She was helping install a kitchen – something very much beyond my skill set!
Diane’s view…
So – I finished cleaning downstairs and did a load of laundry. All of that is finished and put away. I work in the morning and am keeping Cameron for a few hours after lunch. So my day tomorrow will be busy. Then I have to get serious about organizing for vacation.
QUOTE of the DAY:
Except I’d take tea over coffee.
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 30th is:
International Jazz Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Animal Advocacy Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Hairstylist Appreciation Day; National Honesty Day; National Mahjong Day; National Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Raisin Day; National Therapy Animal Day; Thank You Thursday.
April 29th was my step-daughter Theresa’s birthday, and tomorrow would have been Stoney’s birthday. John’s would have been the 26th. So we had a plethora of birthdays (along with Logan and Chrissy) the end of April! I’ve never had Bubble Tea. Raisin’s are… ok. Thank You! God bless…
A favorite Movie –
Hayley Mills is my all-time favorite actress!
On this day in history: On April 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial opens in Washington, D.C. to thousands of visitors, providing overdue recognition for the 16 million U.S. men and women who served in the war.
Thankfully I slept better last night and felt rested for work. I did have several things to do – and a few tangles to unweave. Got everything done, including sharing information with Ken about Buttermilk Falls and then Rege and I had a walk back to the 60’s and 70’s and the car business then, such as it was. I was too innocent to realize – but either way we both survived. I left there and stopped to help Mike P with a few things. He wasn’t there but Renee was, and we, too, had quite a conversation!
This is the model of the first car I had! 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne!
I did stop at Aldi and picked up a few things. Then I popped into Walmart but they did not have kids’ toy binoculars, either. I’ll keep looking.
Think I’ll get these (Amazon)…
The horses were playing and eating in the field this morning. It must be a good place for spring snacks!
I updated our vacation packing list and sent it out to Kelly and Kathy. It’s just a generic list as a reminder. I also called the B&B and got some questions answered. That was helpful! As time goes by I do see the advantage of having a vacation planner!
Our B&B
Kelly sent us a picture of the little bunny she crocheted! It’s so super cute! Not sure why she doesn’t make and sell these items. She brought me 3 new dish clothes yesterday. They are wonderful!
Amazing little bunny!
Made by my talented daughter!
I’m hoping to come across an AMERICA 250 shirt that totally appeals to me before the summer hits. I think I’ll have to go back to Hobby Lobby – they had some cool ones there.
My plan is to cut the grass before the weekend so it’s not out of control when I get back. I have to let it go a few days to let the Scott’s soak in. Hoping for Friday or Saturday. And I think that will be it for today! It will be a busy week.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 29th is:
National Peace Rose Day; National Zipper Day; National Shrimp Scampi Day; Stop Food Waste Day; Day of Trees; Denim Day; International Dance Day; International Guide Dog Day; Poem in your Pocket Day; World Stationery Day; World Wish Day.
I hate to waste food or see it wasted. It costs too much to be wasteful! And I say DANCE like no one is watching. Make a wish!!! God bless…
MOVIE from 2026:
Excellent movie – I’d watch it again! Based on a true story.
Kelly & I were up early – but I didn’t sleep well. I usually manage the day well on little sleep but right now I’m losing steam. I baked the scones while Kelly finished getting ready. We picked Kathy up at 8am and headed to Johnstown. A day in the mountains! First we drove past the house on Meadow Drive where Kathy and Paul lived when Sarah was born. It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Johnstown – and the drive up – was a beautiful peaceful area.
Our first stop was the Incline. It wasn’t running but the overlook was open. We walked out and took a bunch of pictures and studied the city. A lot happened there – the worst of which was in 1889. We learned a lot!
At the top of the incline.
The park near the incline
The step faces were painted in patriotic pictures
Kathy and Kelly with the city behind them.
Johnstown nestled in the mountains.
It’s a long way down.
The city and the rivers.
City after the flood.
Once we had our fill of the spectacular view, we drove downtown to the Flood Museum. Got there just as they were unlocking the door! We watched the movie first, which really helped make sense of the displays. We started on the third floor, which was a multi purpose room – gym and walking trail and private/public events. Kathy gave us a demonstration on the ‘silent’ organ.
Ornate staircase in the museum
Multi-purpose room with walking track around the top and displays around the room.
Kathy’s premier performance.
Look closely at this door. If you stepped out — down you go!
We went down to the first floor and read through all the displays and information. There was a diorama that had color coded displays of the time line – including the warnings that were issued, the path of the flood waters, the destruction, and the devastation. There were also descriptions of the recovery, the determination, and the donations and contributions to rebuild the city and the lives of the survivors. It was moving and amazing.
Airbill – COW!
Reminder of the flood – May 31, 1889.
There was also a cabin (Oklahoma Cabin) – one of many that were donated to Johnstown for the survivors to live in while the city was being rebuilt. The stories were moving.
The main room of the Oklahoma House
We left there and walked back to the car – and look some pictures of the caboose by the parking lot. It was cool and breezy all day (about 60*) but sunny.
Kelly and I posing.
We parked and walked to the point where the Little Conemaugh and the Stoneycreek River met. Kathy was now playing Titanic!
The Stone Bridge with a train going over.
The bench of HOPE on the point.
Kathy playing ‘Titanic’!
A small spillway.
OK – we left the point and drove over to the other side of the stone bridge – and took some pictures there.
Stone Bridge – train route
Stone railroad bridge with Incline in the background – flag at the top.
We headed up to South Fork to the visitor’s center for the lake and the dam. As it turns out one of the docents was a friend of mine from Hanna’s Town and he gave us a separate, detailed account of the reason for the lake and dam and what happened and why. We watched another movie – which was sort of spooky and very jarring – pretty vivid description of what happened to the people – both those who were swept away (of which 750 out of 2209 were never recovered) and those who survived. It’s something you would never forget.
This house was right on the lake (behind it)
The lake before the flood – notice the house….
Replica of the debris – see the guy handing on the roof to the far right?
The tree that fell through the house.
This was the dam – you can see where the gap is between the two mounds.
By the time we left that museum we were very hungry – and stopped at the 1889 Park and ate our lunch and made plans for Gettysburg next week. I requested a detour going home and we stopped at the Dillweed B&B in Dilltown. We got home about 5pm and took a 20 minute break – then I started putting away the day’s supplies and Kelly headed home. We had a really good day, learned a lot, and are looking forward to our next adventure!
A quick stop at the Dillweed B&B
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 28th is:
Biological Clock Day; Global Pay it Forward Day; National Blueberry Pie Day; National BraveHearts Day; National Cubicle Day; National Great Poetry Reading Day; National Superhero Day; Save the Frogs Day; School Bus Driver Appreciation day; Workers’ Memorial Day; World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
It would be nice to pay it forward. God bless…
MOVIE from 2025:
Great movie! I loved it!
After seeing this movie I added ‘Grand Ole Opry’ to my bucket list!
Sunday School was the second in the Max Lucado Video series. He is such a good speaker and an in-depth story-teller. Jerry Ryder had the sermon today – about Gratitude. We should obey the scripture teachings – because it Matters! We have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God – always – in our corner. We are never alone. He’s with me!
Jerry Ryder preaching.
After church I dropped the Mrs. Roosevelt book off at Kathy’s for her and Millie, then got food at Walmart. Needed a few things at Dollar Tree and at Giant Eagle.
Got a pinwheel for Cameron
It’s spring!
I noticed that my little white Azalea is finally blooming after 3 years!
Finally!
After lunch (rice) I put all the groceries away, made the cheese accessible for Autmn, Kelly and Cameron. Mixed up the scones for tomorrow’s breakfast (fresh baked scones are wonderful!), then made chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets. So I’m done messing with the chocolate for a while.
Mixed up scones
Peanut Butter pretzel nuggets
I will still have to organize our lunches for tomorrow and get things together. Kathy called me with details on our Johnstown options for tomorrow. I did what seemed like a mountain of dishes but all cleaned up now. And Autmn sent me a video of Cameron singing ‘I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!’ It’s so cute! He exudes joy!
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 27th is:
Autism Super Mom Day; Babe Ruth Day; International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day; International Design Day; Marine Mammal Rescue Day; Morse Code Day; National Devil Dog Day; National Gummi Bear Day; National Pneumatics Day; National Prime Rib Day.
Tomorrow is our road trip day. I never really got into Morse Code – but we did learn it in middle school. God Bless…
MOVIE from 2024:
The comments I’ve heard – most people prefer the older version with Loretta Swit. I prefer the new one!
On this day in History: 1865 Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrenders remaining forces to Union General William T. Sherman at Bennett Place in Durham, North Carolina, ending the American Civil War
Bud would have said: today is 8 months until Christmas day! But I’m not decorating yet!
I woke up at 6:45am – but the good thing was I slept straight through. I don’t remember the last time I did that. Typical Saturday – change and wash sheets, but also switched out the fall/winter bed spread for the spring and summer one. Went out in the garage and took pictures of the paint can lids so Jerome the Paint Guy can get the right color to top-coat the deck and repair the foundation.
Spring/summer bedspread.
I Txt Kelly about food for the next few days so that’s handled. Got the ironing done, including the new valance for my bedroom. It’s very plain and ordinary but is perfect for the room.
Plum now – it was white eyelet.
Since I was having trouble with my phone (still) I went to T-Mobile. They were absolutely no help – told me to call 1-800-apple. Grrr. So I guess that will be next if it does anything crazy one more time. From there I drove to Mt. Pleasant to check out the new department store – Bealls. It was very crowded! It sort of reminds me of Marshalls. Everything was moderately priced. I just sort of walked through the store but didn’t linger, and didn’t purchase anything. I’ll go back when I’m not harboring a grudge against T-Mobile!
Where Big Lots was in Mt. Pleasant plaza.
I swept out the garage when I got home, grabbed the mail (junk!), and decided to make chocolate covered pretzels. Not sure why! I should have done the popcorn I just bought for that exact reason.
Autmn and Cameron stopped for a short bit – He was very good, and funny. I had some food items for Autmn, and Cameron entertained himself by cleaning the spaghetti! We watched ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’, played with blocks and his barn/animals.
Trying to figure out how to make gravy.
Building a tower – he’s always happy!
Cleaning the spaghetti!
Putting the Cow in the Barn
It was chilly downstairs so Autmn curled up by the little heater. Cameron kept turning it up and down.
Toasting Autmn.
After they left, I made Autmn a rice bag. She wanted a bigger one. I’ll let her try this one and if it needs more rice I’ll add some. But it feels plenty heavy already!
Super-sized rice bag for Autmn.
I still had the tiny rice bag that my mom made for the baby dolls – I will send that home so Cameron has one, too! My last chores this evening will be to stitch the loose hem on the laundry room throw rug.
Little one for Cameron.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 26th is:
Allen Day: Get Organized Day; Hug an Australian Day; National Garage Day; National Kids and Pets Day; National No Makeup Day; National Pet Parents Day; National Pretzel Day; National Richter Scale Day; Remember Your First Kiss Day; World Intellectual Property Day.
I try to always be organized. If anyone sees Keith Urban – send him over and I’ll hug him! I swept my garage this morning, and made chocolate covered pretzels. I’m a day ahead. God bless…
Movie from 2023:
This was a hard movie to watch – but something everyone should see. We need to be aware.
BY far one of my top favorites – inspired me to go to Biltmore last November to see the decorations!
On this day in History: 2022Charlotte Brontë’s “A Book of Ryhmes” written when she was 13, sells at auction in New York for $1.25 million to Friends of the National Libraries for the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Happy birthday to Logan! Can’t believe he’s 19! Have a great day – love you!
Logan and Clairese
Chickens!
May the Force be With you!
Raising pigs…
Peyton, Logan, Chase. Logan’s the studious one in the middle!
Did laundry first thing, then a few other things around the house after breakfast. Kathy stopped over to bring me some leftover pizza for the freezer – emergency pizza rations. Yum! We talked for a long while which is always fun. About an hour after she left I realized I didn’t give her the Mrs. Roosevelt book I had for her. I’ll drop it off Sunday (if I think about it!). A writer friend of mine from Seton Hill wrote this.It’s based on a true event that happened in her family.
My next chore was to get out all the lawn decorations – sort them out and find places for them. I threw a lot away that were broken or faded. It took longer to do that than I realized. I also felt it was warm enough that I could finally spray my garden clothes with the tick protection Gen gave me. Now I can get into weeding the hill. I sprayed them good and hung them over the fence to dry then tucked them on hooks in the garage.
Angel bench with birds.
Cow crossing.
Play in the dirt; Burke Bed and Breakfast; Purple stars.
Fairies in the Garden!
Weed picking.
Bunnies.
After a quick lunch I drove down to Pinnacle and logged into my Penndot training program. There were still a few questions I had, so I called CVR. They were very patient and explained a lot of the processes. I was thankful to have the information. I sat and talked to Ken for a while (he was manning the store alone). Once I got all the information and knew I could log in to my training account, I stopped at Giant Eagle and got my prescription. Got gas in the Ford, then splurged on a Frozen Coke.I did come home and log in and did another session. 3 done; 15 to go!
I had already done a little research and made up my mind that I was going to treat the yard with my Scott’s Weed and Feed. It took about an hour to spread it in every square inch of the yard. Then I got the blower and cleared off the walks and stones and driveway where the little pellets landed off the grass. I hosed out the yard cart and the spreader and got everything put away. I feel like it was a good day!
Lawn equipment.
You can see the little white pellets.
Butter cups. They take over everything.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 25th is:
Astronomy Day; Global Youth Service Day; Independent Bookstore Day; International Sculpture Day; International World Healing Day; License Plate Day; National Audubon Day; National DNA Day; National East Meets West Day; National First Ladies Day; National Hairstylist Appreciation Day; National Plumber’s Day; National Lingerie Day; National Mani-Pedi Day; National Pool Opening Day; National Rebuilding Day; National Sense of Smell Day; National Telephone Day; National Zucchini Bread Day; World Malaria Day; World Penguin Day; World Veterinary Day.
Bookstore! Yes! Oh, and I love license plates; I’m obsessed. Kathy will like ‘First Ladies’ day. I don’t have a pool to open but 10 to 1 my neighbor won’t open his yet. Too early. What would we do without our phones? God bless…
MOVIE from 2022:
Very well done – I liked that it’s a true story.
On this date in History: 1969Paul McCartney says there is no truth to rumors he is dead (I would hope so!)
Work was light – but we got our login instructions for training for the new PENNDOT CVR system. They didn’t work. An hour and a half later I got through a five minute introduction. I logged out and logged back in – or tried to. Didn’t work! So I’ll probably go back down tomorrow and try again. Ken was having issues too!
I stopped to help Mike P with a deal, then got a few things at Walmart. I wasn’t in a hurry for most of it, but I was out of makeup and bread! My cousin Mark stopped over to check my bathroom fan – it was dropping foam insulation. It might be more than we both thought so he’s coming back mid-May to check it.
I had lunch, put groceries away, then called for a prescription refill. Then it was time to cut the grass. It was warmer than I thought once I got started – but I weed whacked, mowed, swept up, and hosed out the recycle can. I think that’s about it for the day, except of supper later.
Side yard and blooming mint.
Front yard mowed.
Some flower pictures, and the CLOUDS! Look at the clouds!
Dutch girl and boy between purple azalea and Flowering quince
Pink Azalea and purple Columbine
Don’t you love violets?
Clouds — it was sprinkling, for about 20 seconds.
I have LOVE TAKES FLIGHT (Hallmark movie) on in the background.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANTUS?
TOMORROW April 24th is:
Fashion Revolution Day; Firefly Day; Help Animals Day; National Arbor Day; National Bucket List Day; National Neck Care Day; National Pet Care for All Day; National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day; National Skipping Day; World Day for Laboratory Animals; World Women’s Wellness Day.
I haven’t had Pigs-in-a-blanket in a long time. I do have a small bucket list. I’ve been blessed to check off a lot of items on that list! I can’t wait to catch fireflies this summer! God bless…
Movie from 2021:
Lots of humor in this time travel
Christopher Lloyd was great in this!
On this day in History: 1789 President-elect George Washington moves into Franklin House, New York, the first official residence of a US President.
I love it when the house is clean. It’s looks comfortable and sparkling, smells fresh, and makes me happy! I again took my time getting everything done. Started a new book – having trouble getting started with it – the main character sure had more than her fair share of trouble to start out! I like more ‘take me away, Calgon’ type books. But so far I’m sticking with it.
So – now to recap yesterday! Cameron was fun and exceptionally co-operative. He’s moving in the right direction. I’ve seen some changes in him even since his last visit. I think he knows how to push his Dad’s buttons, though. As usual, the first two things he went for were 1) his cows. 2) his farm! He likes giving the pig a ride in the tractor.
Since I picked him up at noon, we ate right away. He had Vienna sausages, crackers and cheese. His favorite is cheese. I think he’d eat that all day! That, and M&M’s (but we waited for those). He loves to hide, so he sat on the little bench behind the couch for a while.
Eating lunch with his cow (which he’s holding…)
Eating cheese behind the couch.
Next he decided to take care of his baby. He loves to feed it and wrap it in a blanket and carry it around. He was being exceptionally tender and I told him he was a very good Dad!
Watching TV together.
Holding his baby.
Kelly txt me about making her pillowcases, so Cameron and I went upstairs to measure mine. She needed to know how much material to buy. I measured and wrote it down – but then Cameron needed to measure too! He was measuring everything in the house and writing it down. For ‘Aunt Kelly’! He insisted on putting the note card on her bed in her room! So I guess she’ll need an interpreter!
Measuring his bench.
These are Cameron’s measurements….
We played some games and read some books, then got out the plastic Match Box mat. The cars kept getting stuck in the creek (yes, he said creek!) and he’d rescue them with the milk can ladle!
He’s holding the ladle….
I have a set of old fashioned keys that he plays with and we couldn’t find them. I got him a flashlight and we started hunting. He looked everywhere – inside of things and under things and behind things – it was very cute! He actually loved looking for them. I found them after he went home – they were in the ‘music box’ of Charlie Brown and the gang on the bookcase. So he’ll have them for next time. As I mentioned yesterday, we had a good day – but I was still tired at the end of the day! But it was a good tired.
Today after I cleaned I took an hour and went outside in the gardens. I dug out a few weeds beside the deck and at the top of the hill. Made sure the side flower bed was cleaned up. One little bit at a time!
Side garden.
By the deck.
Top right corner
Top left.
So that’s it for the day. Oh, and I did see the horses again about noon. They are so beautiful standing up in the field in the sunshine! And my friend Tom sent me a Christmas video – with a note: 253 days until Christmas! (Just a note – there are only 247 days — I think this was someone’s miscalculation!)
QUOTE of the DAY:
Well, closer to a joke…..
PEANUTS:
Tom sent me this one, too.
TOMORROW April 23rd is:
English Language Day; German Beer Day; International Creator Day; International Girls in ICT Day; Love Your Thighs Day; Movie Theatre Day; National Cherry Cheesecake Day; National Email Day; National English Muffin Day; National Lost Dog Awareness Day; National Picnic Day; National Take a Chance Day; National talk Like Shakespeare Day; National Teach Children to Save Day; Support Teen Literature Day; Pet Tech CPR Day; Slay a Dragon Day; Spanish Language Day; World Book Day; World Book Night; World Laboratory Day; World Table Tennis Day.
Wow – that’s a lot to celebrate! Cameron would probably celebrate Dragons – we listened to ‘Going on a Dragon hunt’ yesterday several times! I will celebrate books and English. God bless!
MOVIE from 2020:
Kimberly and Paul back together!
I read the book before I saw the movie – and was excited when I recognized it!
On this day in History: 1864 US mints 2-cent coin, first appearance of “In God We Trust”
Today went very well! Cameron spent most of the day – he was very good (on a Cameron scale of 1-10 I’d give him a 9+!) That doesn’t mean he didn’t exhaust me. But he’s so funny and super smart and creative and is becoming very sensitive and sympathetic. And helpful (when he feels like it!).
Even the horses had a quiet start!
Autmn’s sisters Summer and Penny kept Cameron until noon – and I had him until Noah picked him up at 7:30pm. It was a long afternoon and he wasn’t a fan of eating anything except cheese (which isn’t the best choice!) but we stayed busy all day. We did not spend any time outside (several reasons) but I think he had a good time. I’ll recap the day tomorrow – right now I need to eat supper.
Oh, and Beth: While Cameron was waiting on Noah he stood at the bottom door and licked the glass… Hmmmm…..
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 22nd is:
National Girl Scout Leader’s Day; National Jelly Bean Day; Earth day; School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day; Administrative Professionals Day; April Showers Day; Global Selfie Earth day; In God We Trust Day; National Bookmobile Day.
I spent most of my Smail career as an administrative professional. Hoping no showers tomorrow. Yes, trust God! God bless…
MOVIE from 2019:
A cute story about 2 authors on a book tour together. I like this one!
On this day in History: 1789John Adams sworn in as 1st US Vice President (9 days before Washington) (Beth – Here’s your guy!!!)
I started the morning by ordering book 6 of my series — and then found there is a book 7! When did that happen? But I’m glad to be moving forward with the series.
Because I felt my bridge being loose yesterday (front teeth) I called the dentist this morning to have it checked. They took me first thing; it slipped right out with no effort. They cleaned and dried it and re-cemented it so it should be good. They kindly gave me a small amount of temporary cement to take on vacation in case it gets loose again. I’m looking at probably 6 or 7 more weeks of temporary before they can make the impressions, create, and ‘install’ the permanent bridge. Long process.
No! Not this kind of bridge!
I went straight to work from there, although not much going on. Made two small stops on the way home – the bank and birthday cards. I had leftovers from Saturday for lunch, then did laundry.
Beth and Harold had AI make photos of what my hill could look like with certain plantings. Oh, if only I could achieve that! Both versions are so beautiful!Which is your favorite?
Image #1
Image #2
Since then I have spent the afternoon trying to organize our trip to Gettysburg! I did get some valuable information but also some sites that have limited hours. We will have a great time regardless!
I answered some emails and have some cards to write out after I finish this. If it was a tad warmer I’d be outside!
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW April 21st is:
National Yellow Bat Day; National Kindergarten Day; National Rendering Day; National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day; National Library Workers Day; Big Word Day; International Hemp Day; Keep off the Grass Day; National Chickpea Day; National Tea Day; International Loch Ness Monster Day.
Let’s have a spot of tea together, shall we? No monsters for me! I like almost anything chocolate covered, but I am restricted from most nuts right now. God bless!
MOVIE from 2018:
Again – Paul Campbell is a favorite, as is Kimberly! I love this movie.
On this date in history: 1918 Manfred von Richthofen, aka The Red Baron, shoots down his 79th and 80th victims marking his final victories before his death the following day.
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