I got a lot done today but just took it at my own pace. I worked until about 11am but I had a few stops on the way home. I needed a small photo stand so I stopped at Dollar Tree, then went to the bank to handle Easter. Had to put gas in the Ford, then dropped off a tax rebate form at the Township office. By the time I got home it was about noon but I felt good about getting that done. I found an interesting fact about the next few full moons…

After lunch (courtesy of my sister!) I did the ironing. I had quite a pile. Then I had a long, detailed talk with the Easter Beagle about the kids/grandkids Easter treats. He was very helpful and confident that the day would be fun and appreciated! So the next chore on my Easter to-do list will be groceries for the big event!

There were a few things I needed to get at Walmart, so I did that. Got a new super-duper plunger recommended by Kelly, and I think it will get the job done easily. Also needed to get my drain root treatment. I have to wait until I will be out of the house for at least 6 hours so I don’t use any water during that time. I like to have it on hand so I can just do it when the occasion arises.

Notice the contoured bottom, and the easy-grip handle…..

So now it’s going on 7pm, and I will write out some Easter cards, make supper, and take an hour or so to watch some videos. The Farm channel that I watch from Mechanicsburg mentioned that they often participate in some projects with Messiah College. I was excited about that since that’s where Kelly went to College! Another reason to enjoy the Waardenburg Family Farm!

TODAY I am thankful for projects completed!

QUOTE of the DAY:

Kelly, this one’s for you!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 25th is:

Old New Years Day; American Red Cross Giving Day; International Data Center day; International Waffle Day; Manatee Appreciation Day; National Little Red Wagon Day; National Lobster Newburg day; The Annunciation; Tolkien Reading Day; Whole Day for Whole Grain; National Medal of Honor Day.

I’ll stick with the new new years day! I don’t think I’ve every really appreciated a Manatee. I had a little red wagon here but gave it to Noah for Cameron! God bless…

MOVIE from 1994:

“Life is like a box of chocolates….” “Run, Forrest, Run!”

ON THIS DAY in History: 1958 Elvis Presley joins the US Army (serial number 53310761)

“Dear 533107561. Read this letter when your day is done…” Anyone with me on this??

Well, another day! Autmn and Cameron stopped early just for about an hour. It was good to see them both, and it seemed like she needed the time here. I did not take any pictures, but Cameron played with a basket of plastic eggs.

Next I was off to a chiropractor appointment, which was needed! When I got home, Chase got packed up and we loaded the car to meet Kelly in Washington. The three of us had lunch at Chick Fil-A, then walked around Hobby Lobby for a short time. I like that store and we don’t have one close by.

Washington Chick Fil-A

I bought 3 very small snack plates (spring patterns) and got Chase a stuffed, weighted Chameleon. We always said Mom was like a Chameleon since she just fit comfortably into her environment. We suggested Chase call the Chameleon Grama Dot – but he didn’t take to the idea. We’ll probably still call it that!

Two small snack plates – flowers with butterflies and the oval egg one. Cup is to help judge the size.

Chase with ‘Grama Dot’

‘Grama Dot’!!!

I took pictures of the lanterns after it got dark last night. They did not disappoint!

Back yard

By front walk.

I got home today about 3:30 – Autmn called to see if I got home OK and we chatted for a while. I swept and cleaned up the downstairs, and that’s it except for supper later.

TODAY I am thankful for being inside where it’s warm!

Little fireplace heater

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 24th is:

Flatmates Day; International Day for Achievers; National Agriculture Day; National Cheesesteak Day; National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day; National Each Person is a Person of Worth Day.

There used to be a jar of chocolate covered raisins on the upstairs conference room bar at Smail’s. Part of my perks were to nibble when the bosses called me up to their office! It’s the little things. God bless…

MOVIE from 1993:

How many of us has felt like we were living the same days over and over???

ON THIS date in History: 1775 Patrick Henry proclaims “Give me liberty or give me death” in a speech encouraging Virginia troops to join the American Revolutionary War

The day started out a little shaky, but improved as it went on. We are on lesson 9 in Revelation – the mark of the beast. Very enlightening and I really think I understood the concept! For church time, Chase and I helped in Junior Church – or Kidz View. Got to meet Anthony, the new children’s/teen director. The kids seemed really taken with him. Chase helped him with the computer set up, and Anthony told him he was hired! I’m glad it worked out.

Anthony, Weston and Jennifer

My tax lady txt me in the morning, and we made plans to meet after lunch. I picked up my copies of everything, then stopped at Gabe’s. I wanted to get the solar lights for my flag poles. Also forgot to posts about the exciting door mat I got – you know (if you know me at all) that I love the Revolutionary War! Last year when I cleaned up the yard for fall and packed things away, I threw A LOT of stuff in the trash. I knew ahead of time that I would be replacing a lot, even down to the lawn chairs, which I haven’t done yet. Still things to handle, including Weed and Feed and Weed killer!

My solar lights

It was so warm and beautiful (despite some twisty wind!) that I changed into yard clothes and spent about an hour cleaning the flower bed between the fence and the driveway. The wet ground helped and I got the whole one side done before the thunder started.

This much done and swept.

Weeds pulled and stones straightened.

Storm is coming….

It was so windy I had to tape part of my hair down! Karen Walker and Kelly will know THIS story!!!

I was ready for a glass of Kool-aid Lemonade when I came in – so I made some and am drinking it as I type!

Kool-aid Lemonade

And the big news is that FINALLY got the drains unplugged! It was a joyous event and I keep double checking to make sure it’s all clear. Phew! All good! Thus we start a new week.

Sure felt like this!!!

TODAY I am thankful for Anthony for the kids!

Jennifer, Weston and Anthony, placing membership.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 23rd is:

Cuddly Kitten Day; National Chia day; National Chinchilla Day; National Chip and Dip Day; National Melba Toast Day; National Puppy Day; National Tamale Day; World Bear Day; National Near Miss Day; OK Day; World Math Day.

I’m a word person, not a numbers person – so no math. But that’s OK! And Bear – I guess that’s not MY bear!! I like chips and dip, especially if Jen makes it. Maybe for Easter! God bless…

MOVIE from 1992:

We all liked this one.

On this date in History: 1941 James (Jimmy) Stewart is inducted into the Army, becoming the first major American movie star to wear a military uniform in World War II.

I wonder if there will be a day in the near future that I don’t start a post with ‘It’s been a crazy day, and I’m exhausted!’? One thing after another, including that my downstairs toilet is clogged. Now makes 2 days of plunging and flushing. Ugh. (This is disgusting…)

I honestly don’t know where I left off and what I wrote – so I’m just going to post some pictures. Kelly and I did get all the decorations up and the lights and flags outside. We got all the Easter candy purchased and managed to do a few errands, too – including Gabes.

Always a stop on our list.

My purchase at Gabes

A crochet project gone wrong – tore it apart and started over but it’s done now.

This stuffed puppy with the green bunny ears looks just like Logan’s dog Ransom!

I will just post a few pictures of Wednesday’s Cameron adventure here:

Aunt Kelly with Cameron

He takes his cows seriously…

Bottle fed.

Basket on the head. Actually Nate (his Puppers) made this in Home Ec class!

Posing – he’s a ham!

A baby cow for Mamma.

After I made breakfast for Chase this morning (pancakes!) I took a few minutes and went down to Youngwood to an Estate Sale that a friend had advertised. My expectations were low as to finding anything for my already crowded house — BUT! I have been looking for YEARS for a new bathroom clothes hamper and I found a beautiful wooden one in extremely good condition! I was so excited! They were happy to pass it along for a good price, and I was thrilled to bring it home! I wiped it out with Top Job, then applied lemon oil to it. I just really love it. Very happy!

I love this!

Autmn dropped Cameron off for about an hour and a half. We played outside on the deck – digging worms (he did find one that he wanted to take home!), playing with his barn and the Snoopy eggs, listening to ‘Silly Songs with Larry’ (including Going on a Bear Hunt – his favorite!), sweeping stones and pulling weeds to feed the pig. We even went for a short walk with the stroller – which kept him contained for at least a bit and we got to see the egg garden in the front yard!

Digging for worms

Egg and hyacinth garden

Taking his stone for a walk.

Oh! And Autmn gave him a haircut as he was actually complaining!

This was before hair cut.

and after.

Mommy and Cameron (with haircut)

Chase is playing video games, I am posting this and making lists, and I am also looking forward to several quiet hours and possibly even a whole day very soon! But earlier he helped me carry up all the deck furniture, and I got a few other things out of the shed. (Thanks, Chase!)

Snoopy back to standing yard guard!

Chase carried it all up; I scrubbed it all clean.

TODAY I am thankful for those crazy hours with my Cammy!

A pause in the shade.

And TODAY is Piggy Small’s 8th ‘Gotcha’ Day!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Great day to be outside.

TOMORROW March 22nd is:

As Young as you Feel Day; Gryffindor Pride Day; International Day of the Seal; International Goof Off Day; National Health Care Rights Day; National West Virginia Day; World Water Day; Daffodil Day.

I haven’t felt so young these last few days! I could use a day to goof off – but doubt I’ll do it in West Virginia. I love bright yellow Daffodils! God bless…

Daffodils aren’t blooming yet but hyacinths are!

MOVIE from 1991: Father of the Bride –

Kimberly Williams Paisley (Brad Paisley’s wife!) is the bride!!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1940 Rebecca, based on the book by Daphne du Maurier, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, premieres in Miami, Florida (Oscar for Best Picture 1941) I absolutely LOVE this movie – and the book!

Happy spring! It was a mixed up weather day – but I think tomorrow will be sunny and about 60*. Sunday is to be almost 80* but possible thunderstorms. It IS still March!

Kelly left about 9:30am this morning. We got about everything done we planned on doing, plus some. I’m going to save posting details until the weekend. I’m exhausted and I still need food. Chase decided he wanted to stay the weekend – so I will have different food prep once we figure out what to make. After work today I stopped and re-stocked!

Chase and Cameron on Wednesday!

It’s raining right now, and dark, and I just cleaned the whole house. I have a load of towels in the dryer and a load of my clothes in the washer. Another load scheduled for tomorrow!

household chores never end….

So – that’s it for today – better days ahead! I’m thankful for pink skies!

Last night’s sky.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 21st is:

International Color Day; International Day of Forests; Maple Syrup Saturday; National California Strawberry Day; National Corndog Day; National Crunchy Taco Day; National Flower Day; National Fragrance Day; National French Bread Day; National Healthy Fats Day; National Quilting Day; National Renewable Energy Day; National Single Parent Day; National Teenager Day; Tiramisu day; World Tattoo Day; World Down Syndrome Day; World Poetry Day.

I have a Snoopy tattoo on my right ankle. I like strawberries and Tacos and flowers and French bread – and I’ve been a single parent since 1981! Forests are nice, too. God bless…

Movie from 1990:

Who knows what makes a movie a classic??!?!

On this date in History: 1774 The British parliament passes first of the Intolerable Acts: the Boston Port Act, which closed Boston harbor until colonists would pay for damages following the Boston Tea Party.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I was so otherwise focused that I waited all year to wear my shirt and leggings – and got up this morning and forgot! Here is a picture of the year I DID wear them to a writer’s conference!

Me and Carolyn.

Last night’s snow was crazy. I went to bed when there was not even an inch. Woke up in the middle of the night to this:

About 7:30pm

…. or so

close to midnight

But it’s beautiful!

Even the lights think so!

So Kelly and Chase are here. Their crochet class was cancelled so they came up early. We made a big pot of Chicken Acini de Pepe soup for supper. She’s working on a few things while I type. Tomorrow we are going to get the Easter boxes and bins out and see if we can make quick work of getting the decorations up.

So I may not post again until Friday afternoon so don’t be concerned if I don’t. We have an agenda! Have a great week!

TODAY I am thankful for homemade soup!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 18th is:

Thumb Appreciation Day; National SBDC Day; National Biodiesel Day; National Sloppy Joe Day; National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Awkward Moment Day; National Supreme Sacrifice Day; Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day; National Battery Day; Pluto Day.

And tomorrow is my very dear friend Bear’s 65th birthday. Happy, happy day my friend! Have a wonderful year. I’m staying out of airplanes tomorrow — and I do appreciate my thumbs! God bless….

Happy birthday, Bear!!!

MOVIE from 1989:

This one was fun!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: TODAY: A meteor exploded over Ohio!

I’ll start with yesterday which was sunny but breezy to start with. I’m still intensely following the Revelation video series. Todd’s message was the seven phrases Jesus spoke from the cross. Today was ‘Father forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing.’ That was a model prayer and shows the power of prayer. Prayer should be your internal base, and the first thing you do in any situation. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer changes US more than those we are praying for. PRAY for someone for 30 days – and you will see a huge difference: in YOURSELF. Prayer can’t change anyone, but can change your reaction to something. FORGIVE.

I was just pulling into the garage when Autmn called. She and Cameron were looking for a place to hang out, grab some lunch, and maybe clean out the Juke (their car). So after a Jack’s Pizza and some cheddar rice we grabbed shoes and toys and went outside. Cameron had two of his farm cows and the little dump truck. He ‘dug’ weeds, loaded up the truck bed, then drove it across the deck to feed his cows. I know he played with that for about an hour. I can’t say that he only dug ‘weeds’ – but no harm done! We sent to the bottom yard, and he discovered a worm half buried in the dirt. No problem – he just cleared away the dirt (with his hands) and picked up the worm, which he carried up to show his mom. We spent the next half hour looking for more worms!

Sweeping up his cow ‘food’. (Juke in the background)

Autmn took everything out of the car, wiped it down, swept it out, then washed and rinsed it. Cameron and I cleaned off the car seat. Then while I helped put everything away, Cameron did an excellent job of sweeping the grass. ???

While we were outside, my neighbor was cutting his grass – and his son Enzo was helping mow.

Mower far left – Enzo center by blue swing.

After they left I had less than an hour to get organized and focused before Kathy picked me up. We went to see Stephen Curtis Chapman at the Palace Theatre. I didn’t know any of the songs on the new album, but he’s a great speaker and very funny and entertaining. We ran into a long-time friend, Lynne Varega, and chatted with her and her friend at intermission. Right now I am listening to S.C. Chapman’s Christmas CD – which I’ve had for at least a decade – just to sort of hold on to the ambience of the concert. Thanks, Kathy, for including me in your adventure!

Second half.

Different color set, different outfits, different guitars

String quartet to the bottom left.

My friend Mary’s brother makes and sells Gnomes – so I got one. Isn’t he cute?

Today I decided to change the sheets on my bed – just because I could! After breakfast and two loads of laundry I packed away all of the St. Patrick’s Day decorations. I know it’s not until tomorrow but I needed to get organized since Kelly is coming up and we want to do the Easter ones.

The egg blanket is big and thick and soft! And I have 2 pillow covers.

Bunnies

It appears that today we will be having all four seasons in one 24 hour period. Oh, joy. Enjoy!

TODAY I am thankful for Stephen Curtis Chapman music!

This is the CD I have and am listening to.

QUOTE of the DAY:

SNOOPY of the DAY: Courtesy of Diane

Since I missed it, TODAY March 16th is:

Act Happy Day; Black Press Day; Driving Instructor Day; National Artichoke Hearts Day; National Curl Crush Day; National Freedom Of Information Day; National Lips Appreciation Day; National Panda Day; No Selfies Day; Wellderly Day.

A classic – need I say more?

TOMORROW March 17th is:

National 3-D Day; St. Patrick’s Day; National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day; Camp Fire Girls Day; Evacuation Day; Tea for Two Tuesday.

Tea is good – Not planning to evacuate that I know of. And the Luck of the Irish to ya! God bless.

MOVIE from 1988:

Superb acting!

On March 15th in History: in 1930 The Biltmore House officially opened its doors to the public.

On this date in History: 1974 The Grand Ole Opry radio show was broadcast for the first time from the new Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

I tried to get caught up with some chores today but didn’t quite manage too many. I still have a little time to get a few more things done this evening. I ran out this morning – primarily to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique to look around and get honey. Irwin so SO CROWDED – they were either having a St. Patrick’s Day parade or an event of some type. There were cars everywhere and kids in shamrocks and Leprechaun costumes all over the place. I grabbed my honey and got out of there quick!

The first one is summer/fall blend, and the lighter one in the back is spring honey.

Once I came home and had lunch, I went through the first thing on my list. Over the years (and by that I mean MANY!) I had collected a lot of jewelry (inexpensive – not much monetary value). Logan’s girlfriend Clairese makes and sells jewelry, so I packaged everything up by category and labeled it – and am going to send it down to her. She can keep it or sell it or use it to make new pieces. I started out about 6 years ago with 4 jewelry bags – now I’m down to two! I’ll send them home with Kelly this week when she comes up.

Just getting started

Sorting it out.

Ready for Clairese

And before I forget, I probably won’t do a post tomorrow. I am going with Kathy to an event at the Palace Theatre and it will probably be later than normal when we get home. I’ll catch up on Monday!

My Danish Dough Whisk came today. It was very inexpensive – less than $10 through Amazon – and I saw it being used on those farm videos I watch. It’s for mixing yeast and batter breads and mixes. I was impressed how easy it was to use and how thorough it was. So now I’m excited to test it out!

So simple but very cool!

Since I have a list still to do tonight – I’m closing out for now. For once the sky is not dramatic this evening.

Dusk

TODAY I am thankful for my lists!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 15th is:

Espresso Martini Day; Ides of March; International Redefining Wealth Day; National Kansas Day; National Peanut Lovers day; National Pears Helene Day; World Consumer Rights Day; World Contact Day; World Essential Workers Day; Everything you think is Wrong Day; National Shoe the World Day.

Depends on who you ask – I’m often wrong! God bless.

MOVIE from 1987:

Super funny and worth the watch!

ON this date in History: 1967 JFK‘s body moved from temporary grave to a permanent memorial

Another good night’s sleep. Thankful for that! I got up a little early, made the bed, did laundry, made muffins, and was ready when Autmn and Cameron got here. She left about 10am to Door Dash and Cameron and I just hung out. We had a few small battles but over all we had a fun day. Cameron managed to get the bathroom door open and unwound part of the roll of TP! So I’ll just use it anyway.

The highlight of the day was that the neighbor was having their maple tree cut back, and they had a bucket truck and a chain saw. I wrapped Cameron in a blanket – we went out on the porch and he waved and watched them work. He totally loved it! I wish I could have gotten more pictures!

You can sort of see the guy in the yellow jacket in the bucket at the top of the photo and right of center.

Stopped long enough to have French Fries and Chicken Nuggets for lunch. We watched Miss Rachel all afternoon, and read books and played with the cows and were up and down the steps dozens of times. He loves to go upstairs and run down the hallway.

French fried with Ketchup and chicken nuggets.

Playing with the ‘Littlest Pet Shop’ that was Chrissy and Autmn’s when they were little!

Cow pen.

A cover over the cow pen.

Yesterday when they left I couldn’t find the mini-Jesus that sat by the church. It really didn’t matter since (as you probably remember!) I started out with 300 of them and have about 2/3 or more left. After lunch Cameron wanted to take his pig for a ride in the little truck, and when he dug it out of the toybox – there was Jesus in the driver’s seat! Autmn said it gives ‘Jesus take the Wheel’ a whole new meaning!

He’s a bit squished in there….

Taking a break to watch TV with Mimi

I’m not sure what the weather is where you are, but it’s intensely windy here! I feel like we may end up NOT in Kansas anymore! Oh – and I forgot to say that after Autmn and Cameron left I buzzed over to Gabe’s. I needed 2 new outdoor welcome mats – mine are so old and worn that they keep blowing away. So I did get 2 and for the first time ever the front door and bottom door mats don’t match! I like the bottom door best. The front one is semi-circle shape and is daisies.

I love this back door mat!

The sunrise and sunset were both beautiful today! And THAT’s what I’m thankful for!

Sunrise

Evening sky

Sunset

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 14th is:

National Write Down your Story day; Celebrate Scientists Day; Dribble to Work Day; International Fanny Pack Day; White Day; Save a Spider Day; National Urban Ballroom Dancing Day; Croudfunding Day; Dog Theft Awareness Day; International Day of Action for Rivers; International day of Mathematics; Legal Assistants Day; National Children’s Craft Day; National Genealogy Day; National learn about Butterflies Day; National Pi Day; National Potato Chip Day; International Ask a Question Day.

Well – I write down a lot of stories! I’m not dribbling anywhere! Not a fan of crafting – kids or adults. I love potato chips, butterflies, and asking questions! God bless…

Movie from 1986:

When Nathan was five this was his favorite movie! He could quote almost the whole thing!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:1868 Senate begins US President Andrew Johnson‘s impeachment trial

I did sleep very well last night on the new mattress/bed. I don’t know if I was extra tired or it was sleeping on a GOOD mattress and springs.

Work was very busy – and I didn’t get home until 11am. Autmn and Cameron were here waiting when I got here. I told Autmn I would watch Cameron while she went Door Dashing for a little while. He was pretty good – but he’s SO FAST and SO BUSY! A few times he was up the steps before I could catch up to him. We read books and played with blocks and the farm and his cows and a card game and hide & seek in the closet!

Cameron loves his barn locks puzzle.

The farm animals taking a ride in the truck

His favorite – his barn full of animals!

Wearing the St. Patrick’s day headband backwards!

Autmn came back about 2pm. She and Cameron took a small nap upstairs while I went to the meeting at Hanna’s Town for volunteers. A lot of changes coming! Hope I can keep up with all of them. Thankfully there were donuts as I did not get lunch.

Donuts and cookies to keep us happy during the meeting.

The sky was very dramatic tonight!

Dark and light

At 5pm.

I was just getting settled (after putting the house back to rights!) when Kathy called me. Paul had to go to the hospital for a re-occurring issue and she needed a ride up. He just stopped on his way home from work. So I dropped her off so she could put his car in the right lot and then visit. I’ll update tomorrow if I get information. And that’s my day.

TODAY I am thankful for a visit with Cameron!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 13th is:

National Chicken Noodle Soup Day; National Coconut Torte Day; National Earmuff Day; National Freelancers Day; National Ginger Ale Day; National Good Samaritan Day; National Jewel Day; National Preschooler’s day; World Sleep Dayl

I think my site yesterday had the wrong information. So whatever — tomorrow is Friday the 13th! God bless…

Movie from 1985:

Iconic! Everyone wanted to drive a DeLorean!

On this date in history: 1912 Girl Scouts begin in the US as the Girl Guides, formed by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah