I don’t think I spoke one word all day today! I did a lot of cleaning, laundry, reading… Took the trash up.

I did figure out my blood pressure monitor but readings aren’t improving. Guess I’ll have to wait and see after a few weeks on new medication.

Tomorrow morning I have my final January medical appointment at 10:15am. Then I’m supposed to have lunch with Christina! THAT I am looking forward to…

It’s been a pretty quiet day. I listened to Christmas CD’s while I cleaned and worked upstairs, and have HGTV on while I’m cleaning and doing laundry downstairs. All I have left to do is answer one email and do my little exercise routine before I have supper. I’m been continually busy but nothing major.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 23rd is:

Clashing Clothes Day; International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day; Measure Your Feet Day; National Handwriting Day; National King Day; National Pie Day; Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day; National Security Technician Day.

My handwriting is horrible and getting worse!. I don’t think the USPS would approve of Snowplow Mailbox Hockey. Chances are, I’ll never be King…. But I might eat a piece of warm apple pie… Stay warm and God bless!

Happy birthday Autmn Rose! I can’t believe you are 22 already, and a mother! I have loved watching you grow and learn and evolve into the beautiful young lady you are today. Keep your eyes on Jesus and live your life striving to follow Him. And teach that adorable great grandson of mine that ‘Jesus loves you’ and ‘God is Good, all the time!’

It’s still SO cold! My car thermometer said 1* on my way to work this morning. I did have a stop to make but was glad it was quick and I could be inside and warm the rest of the day. Colonial Williamsburg posted pictures of cold temps and snow – not very common for them!

I thought I was getting better at electronics – but ALAS! My blood pressure monitor came today, and I tried to set it up. Ugh. It said my blood pressure was 900 over 259 – then it said ERROR! I would hope! So I have to read the directions again. I was able to set the date and time which I feel was a good first start…

I don’t have any major projects this afternoon so I’ll work a little on some writing I started last year. As long as I can stay close to my space heater and keep warm!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 22nd is:

Answer your Cat’s Questions Day; Come in From the Cold Day; Library Selfie Day; National Blonde Brownie Day; National Grandpa Day; National Hot Sause day; National Polka Dot Day; National Sanctity of Human Life Day (Roe vs Wade);

If I had a cat he’d probably be smarter than I am … As for Polka Dots — a favorite some of mine as a ‘child’ was Itsy, bitsy teeny weenie yellow polka dot bikini… And yes, COME IN!!!! God bless!!!

I am in the midst of listening to the Trump/Vance Inauguration, the 60th Inauguration Ceremony, for our 47th President. President Trump had amazing things to say – and I’m sure we are in for a wild ride! That is a very aggressive agenda and it will take American united to make it happen. We for sure have to trust God to lead us forward. And by the way – I think Vance is sort of cute…. 🙂

I started this morning by clearing enough of the driveway to be able to get out of it! I didn’t even have breakfast. I dressed warmly and headed up to my Doctor’s appointment which is near the hospital. The roads were not cleared and I slid through an intersection! I was very glad there were no other cars on any of the streets. The snow on my driveway and decks is piled up.

Dr. Bosley did a throat scope. Everything in my nose and throat and voice box is healthy and fine – she declared it very healthy! She reduced my one prescription from twice a day back to once a day, and discontinued one all together. I am to call her in a few weeks and update her on my condition. She’s super nice and very helpful. I left there, ‘slid’ home, and had an egg and tea for breakfast!

As soon as I finish this, I’m going to clear a little more of the driveway. I only did enough of the hill to make a safe exit this morning. We’ll see what else the day brings, in addition to some notes to mail and the ironing from my laundry load.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 21st is:

Grama Day; International Playdate Day; International Sweatpants Day; National Check Your Coverage Day; National Cheesy Socks Day; National Granola Bar Day; National Hug Your Puppy Day; One Liners Day; Own your Own Home Day; Squirrel Appreciation Day; Thank your Mentor Day.

So fitting that tomorrow is Grama Day. This day in 2003 made me a Grama when Autmn Rose was born! Such a happy day. I have never appreciated a squirrel, really. I’m not big on sweatpants except to shovel snow; I’m more of a thick leggings girl. I am humbled and happy to own my own home! And it’s a grand thing to make a playdate! God bless…

A little snow when I got up but managed to get to church safely. Sunday School lesson was the second in Malachi. A warning from God – We’ve lost respect for God. He expects us to give something back – don’t offer scraps. Offer ourselves as a sacrifice to Him. Don’t have half-hearted faith. He’s less concerned with our actions and more concerned with our hearts. Won’t waste God’s time, and don’t lose sight of the Glory of God. Give Him your best. Focus on God Himself not on trying harder to do right. It’s not a burden; it’s a joy to love him!

I left church a little early – One of my new meds is giving me a little stomach issue and it’s uncomfortable. I came home and put on my PJ’s and made a hamburger for lunch! It was very good! Then I talked to Autmn a little while. I miss seeing her!

Today is my Monongahela friend Lynne’s birthday. We’re planning a girls day for sometime in nicer weather when the stores are open and we have ease of access in Smicksburg.

So yesterday’s Beef Day 2025. Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford spent part of the day downstairs with us but also spent some time upstairs just taking some time out. Jason (who raised the cow) stayed and helped the whole time, as did his son Ethan and Ethan’s girlfriend Courtney. She was really nice and fits in with the family with ease and comfort. So glad to meet her! Our cow was 790 pounds and took all day to cut and wrap and make ground beef. There was Nate and Dave, Greg, Lynn and Sarah Pelc, Kathy and Sarah (Owens), and me. Here are some pictures

We got home about 7pm. I didn’t get any beef this year so I could just get something small for supper and get ready for Sunday. We accomplished our tasks well, and had fun and fellowship all day. You just can’t imagine the process until you’ve experienced it!

This morning Deb handed me a little stack of photos from my growing up years – so I’ll share some of them, too.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 20th is:

National Buttercrunch Day; Blue Monday; Brew Monday; Camcorder Day; Elementary School Teacher Day; Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Day; National Cheese Lovers Day; National Coffee Break Day; National DJ Day; National Penguin Day.

We had cheese yesterday but we could do it again. Penguins are cute. I don’t drink coffee but I’ll have a tea break. God bless…

I started the morning by changing sheets and gathering up all the laundry. Tomorrow will be a long, busy (but fun!) day, because tomorrow is Beef Day! And while I’m on the subject, there will probably not be a Word Garden post tomorrow.

After a quick breakfast I made a double check of the car, and headed down to Pinnacle. I am back to driving the EchoSport, which was fun and loaded with extras so I’m good with that. When I got home and had lunch I put everything back that I knew I would need in the car. Since I told Nate I’d bring my extra coolers for him, I left room for that.

Tonia got very good news at her appointment. The tumors are shrinking and one is gone. She doesn’t need treatment or surgery right now, and has a follow up MRI in April! God is Good, all the time!

I took the old, mostly-not-working lights off the back deck and threw them away. Got the new purple ones up and I really like them. Also put purple ones (that I’ve had in a box for several years) on the front deck instead of the red so they match.

Then I managed to clean off the driveway. That should do it for a few days – I hope

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron’s first time playing in the snow! It looks like he was enjoying it. They made a snowman and each did a snow angel. Her birthday is Tuesday so I’m hoping she’ll be down next week and I can see them both.

I switched out the round clothes basket (that was too big) under the sink for this oblong basket. I think it will work better.

I still have to organize things for tomorrow, as I have to leave the house very early. So I’d best get on the ball!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow, January 18th, is:

National Gourmet Coffee Day; National Peking Duck Day; National Thesaurus Day; National Use your Gift card Day; Soup Swap Day; Winnie the Pooh Day.

Tomorrow is our annual Beef Day in Smicksburg. Always fun! I’m not a coffee girl, and not a fan of Duck. Winnie the Pooh is fun! God bless…

Had to get up a little earlier so I could be at work in time to log into the webinar. It was snowing when I left the house but the roads were fine. All three of us were able to log in to the site and be ready to hear all the PENNDOT horrors! Most of it we already knew, but sometimes it’s helpful to have a reminder.

We didn’t finish until almost 1:30pm, then I had to run over to Diane’s to get the stuff she sat aside for Mary and I. She also had a Peanuts book set for me. I’ll see if there are funnies in there to share on the Word Garden.

I’m watching a movie I haven’t seen in years. In fact, I purchased it in VCR format years ago. It’s called The Love Letter and focused on the Civil War Era. Excited to be seeing it on TV!

It’s been snowing most of the day and is to snow another inch in the next hour. Tomorrow is to improve. But with the temperature 25* it’s already better!

I had to get a bunch of boxes out of my car, then take everything belonging to me out as well. Pinnacle has a customer on my car and I am switching out of it tomorrow. So I bundled up and went outside – brought the trash can down when I finished. Then I came in and made a cup of hot tea – and used my Snoopy Merry Christmas mug. I was inspired by the falling snow and the blue lights on my deck.

The lights above the sink reflect the mood outside – snowflakes!!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 17th is:

Benjamin Franklin Day; Cable Car Day; Customer Service Day; Day of Judgment; Kid Inventors’ Day; National Hot Buttered Rum Day; Popeye Day; National Classy Day.

I respect and appreciate Ben Franklin. That will work. God bless…

Usually I start Wednesdays by lazing in bed for a while, reading. But today I got up to get started with my day. I finished the book I was reading last night so I started a new one today. Believe it or not, it isn’t a Christmas book!

As it is Wednesday, I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. When I finished, I bundled up and went out to clear the driveway. It was so very cold! I did cough a lot while I was out there but got the driveway cleaned off and salted. I know it’s to snow in the morning but I was concerned that it would turn to ice and then snow on top. I have PENNDOT training in the morning so I have to be at work early.

I didn’t post the picture of the cool shelf I got for the laundry room. It’s on wheels and slides in between the laundry tub and the washer. Very nice space saver!

That’s about the extent of my day. The moon is still bright and round – maybe because it’s so cold. Right now it’s 14*.

Peanuts sponsoring Scripture of the day:

Peanuts?

TOMORROW January 16th is:

Appreciate a Dragon Day; Book Publishers Day; International Hot & Spicy Food Day; National Boston Day; National Fig Newton Day; National Good Teen Day; National Nothing Day; National Religious Freedom Day; National Get to Know your Customers Day.

Of course I’ll choose Book Publishers! I don’t know a dragon to appreciate – I think magic Puff has been gone a long time. I love Boston! God bless…. (Maybe I’ll do nothing tomorrow, or Friday….)

Last night’s moon was full and beautiful and bright. I took a picture with and without the flash but you can’t tell much difference. Either way it was beautiful — Wolf Moon!

The day started out cold but bright and sunny. And no new snow! I braved the winds and ran some errands and actually got everything I set out to do! Got a message from my PCP and they want me to get a chest Xray. I will get it as soon as possible – waiting to see what the weather is in the next few days. I also figured out how to log into the CVS online ordering site and did that this afternoon.

After lunch (A bagel) I did a little exercise, made Chocolate Covered Popcorn, and did some searches on YouTube for a movie Kath and I were searching for. Murder at the Breakers – which was on last winter. Looks like it’s only being shown through Hallmark + and I don’t subscribe. I’ll stick with my Biltmore DVD!

By mid-afternoon the snow was really coming down, and it was overcast and cloudy. The driveway is covered with snow – again – and I now have stalagmites and stalactites.

I was looking for my weights the other day, and did find them. I’m keeping the 1 pound hand weights and the 2 pound soft balls, but the other three I’m giving away. There are 2 Five Pound weights and 1 Two Pound weight. If anyone within the sound of my Word Garden post has an interest in these 3 purple ones let me know. I obviously can’t mail them! But I’ll hold them until I see you.

Right now I’m sitting at my desk with all the big lights off and only the small candle-type lights on. It’s warm and cozy in here, with the space heater/electric fireplace on and my little heater under my desk. After this I’ll iron then get something to eat.

SCRIPTURE of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 15th is:

Museum Selfie Day; National Bagel Day; National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day; National Hat Day; National Pothole Day; National Strawberry Ice Cream Day; Wikipedia Day.

I jumped the gun – had my bagel today! I guess I need a museum to take a selfie. No hats unless I have to shovel. I’m not a fan of Strawberry Ice Cream. That’ll be it for me. God bless…

Today is Joe’s birthday – I miss seeing him at work but I understand he’s keeping busy and enjoying semi-retirement. Have a happy day, Joe!

Even though it’s still cold, the sun is shining and makes for a pleasant day. I’m glad for no new snowfall. It’s still cold enough to be icy, though.

I have a little pyramid on my air conditioner. It’s a good thing it’s too cold to need it!

This is my work area, with my computer, etc. I can see Snoopy through the window! I love this little space…

Last night I was listening to Greg Pelc’s sermon on YouTube, and when it was over it slid directly into a special program: 35 Years with Michael W. Smith. Boy did that take me back! I recognized and enjoyed music from most of his ‘friends’, including Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Sandi Patti, Steven Curtis Chapman, Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill — and a dozen more. The highlight of the show for me was when Bob Goff introduced their last guest – Amy Grant! – as his best friend! She sang ‘Love will find a Way’, then the whole group came on stage and sang ‘Friends are Friends Forever’ which will be forever one of my favorite songs. What a fun journey back in time!

Scripture of the Day:

Peanuts?

TOMORROW January 14th is:

Cesarean Section Day; International Kite Day; National Dress up your Pet Day; National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day; National Shop for Travel Day; Organize your Home Day; Orthodox New Year; Poetry at Work Day; Printing Ink Day; Take a Missionary to Lunch Day; Ratification Day (check it out!!).

I’d celebrate Ratification Day. Kelly and Autmn both had C-Sections. I’m always working on keeping my house organized. Haven’t read or written poetry at work in a long time! God bless…

I was very much tempted into staying in bed – at least just going to church. But once I was up I felt ok. I think being out in the cold air shoveling and cleaning up makes me cough and then I get tired. But I’m fine otherwise, and managed to get to the church on time for Sunday School. Our class is studying the book of Malachi.

Afterwards, Todd’s message was continuing on the beginning of the Church. Jesus’s resurrection was the center of the church’s foundation and message. Any church should be based on scripture – and that is the real hope for real people. Our goal should be to see people come to Christ, not to just increase attendance. But when we are part of God’s family, we will want to meet with other believers.

Mary and I finally caught up since Christmas, and she gave me my Christmas present. It was one of the best Surprises of the holiday! It’s no secret I’m hooked on Biltmore! Thank you, Mary!

Can’t go any further without sending wonderful birthday wishes to two beautiful ladies! Happy birthday to Skunk Hollow cousin Beth – and her daughter Sabrina. Hope you both had lots of hug, too much cake, were surrounded by friends and family, and feel totally loved! Love you!

I had soup for lunch, then did a few chores inside, and took some time to read a chapter in my current book. It’s a collection of novellas, and this story is about a young lady who is dealing with memory issues. The information is very interesting.

My plan was to switch out the lights, since they weren’t working again. But when I turned them on they were all lit. Good grief! So I’m going to watch them for about a week and see if they stay on. I’ll worry about switching them out if they stay off more than they are on.

Since it was slightly warmer than it has been, I decided to take my Marshall’s gift card and do some browsing. I walked around for about half an hour, and have to admit nothing really caught my eye! I will say that my pitcher broke – twice – and I’m about done messing with it. So I did find a nice one – very plain but sturdy – and that was all I bought.

I walked down to Dollar Tree and got birthday cards for two of my girls that have birthdays in January. Autmn is the 21st and Kelly is the 27th. Then I kept walking down to Aldi and got my multi-vitamins. From there I went to Walmart, but by then I only needed three things, having found everything else on my list. The sky – when I left – was beautiful! I couldn’t get a very good view but it was still inspiring.

Scripture of the Day:

Peanuts?

TOMORROW January 13th is:

Coming of Age Day; Korean American Day; Make your Dream Come True day; National 4th Graders Day; National Clean Your Desk Day; National Gluten Free Day; National Rubber Ducky Day; National Kathleen Day; Stephen Foster Memorial Day; National Sticker Day.

My dad was in Korea. My desk is always clean. And Gluten free – here’s to Gen and Gwen! Rubber Ducky – Cameron loves them! And here’s to my FAVORITE Kathleen. I was always the sticker lady at work – I had a big envelope of stickers and the kids would always come and peek over the half-door to see what I had! That, and M&M’s! God bless…