A new month – lots happening that will be fun and exciting. Tomorrow – I have my annual appointment at the Eye Center.

Today after church Mary and I went to the Museum of American Art – they had a vintage market. We walked around but really, a lot of what the venders were selling were clothing. I was surprised at that. We didn’t purchase anything, but I found a fun photo frame. We were tempted by the hot dogs (it WAS lunch time!) but $10 for hot dog and chips was a little past our budget.

When I came home, I had fruit with a scoop of ice cream, then started on my afternoon project. Before I turn on all the ceiling fans for summer I wanted to wipe down the blades and the light shades. All done!

I went to walk outside to shake the dust catcher and found that I had two baby groundhogs in my yard. One was peeking out from under the deck, and the other was under the shed. I’m not a fan of groundhogs, but I am intimidated by them running around my yard even less. Have to do some research as to how to get them out.

Then I got the hose and sprayed down the side of the house, as those pesky robins are making a mess again. I’m tempted to knock it down – have not seen the bird in the nest at all. Ugh.

I took a break and made myself a little pouch to carry my notebook and pen for taking notes for sermons and class. Very easy, very cute, and very useful!

I took some pictures of the Red Hot Pokers, and the bottom yard with all the flowers blooming.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 2nd is:

American Indian Citizenship Day; National First Ladies Day; National Bubba Day; National I Love My Dentist Day (That’s a little strong…); National Leave Work Early Day; National Rocky Road Day; International Volkswagen Bus Day; National Rotisserie Chicken Day.

Kathy will be excited about the First Ladies Day. I’m not sure I can go so far as to say LOVE where my dentist is concerned, but I do appreciate him. I can’t leave work early tomorrow because I’m not working! God bless…

Logan’s Grad party was so nice! It was held at their church’s Family Life Center. There is so much room, plus a huge kitchen, and lots of activities for the kids to do. I got there about 11:30 (I made good time) and helped Kelly get everything out of her car and mine. Then Matt set up the coolers and stacked the drinks inside, while Ma went for ice.

Kelly for sure has an army of ‘people’ around her — her PEOPLE. And that’s wonderful since I am too far away to be an everyday help. Aunt Kimmie helped set out the food, along with another lady that loves to help in the kitchen for anything. Her cookie trays were like artwork! I know Leann helped, and Shayla and Carrie were everywhere at once! Great ladies…

It took me about an hour to ice 400 cinnamon rolls – but they are my family’s favorites and a lot of people fussed over them. I sent a few home with Autmn and Nate and there were still lots left over – they were, obviously, made for Logan! But the cookies were beautiful!

Logan had a Harry Potter cap – I wouldn’t have known had I not been told!

And there was also a journal Bible on the table by the card box. Everyone was to highlight their favorite verse for him and write a little word of advise in the journal margin. My favorite for him was I Corinthians 2:9. I clung to that verse many times when I lost sight of my blessings!

They had bunches of cupcakes that Carrie made, chips with about 5 different dips, and lots of veggies and a cheese and crackers charcuterie board.

Nate got there about 3pm or so, and then Autmn, Noah and Cameron came about 3:30. I got to meet Logan’s and Chase’s special friends, plus a lot of the people Kelly talks a lot about.

I got to meet Chloe, Clairese, Craig, and a bunch of others.

There was another party in the center at 6pm so that gave us an hour to clean up and exit the space. I stayed until everything was ready for the next group. Logan was moving his party upstairs to the ‘Upper Room’ to play table games and video games, eat more snacks, and order pizza with his closest friends. I’m sure they had a great time extending the party.

I got home about 7:10pm and got everything cleaned up and put away. That’s enough time to unwind and get organized for Sunday. And I found this crazy quote that I’m sure Jen would love!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 1st is:

National Olive Day; National Game Show Day; Wear a Dress Day; Dare Day; Don’t Give up the Ship Day; Flip A Coin Day; Say Something Nice Day; Global Day of Parents; Oscar the Grouch Day; National Barefoot Day; National Pen Pal Day; National Billboard Day; National Nail Polish Day; National Hazelnut Cake Day.

I’m not much for olives or nail polish. I can surely find something nice to say and not be an Oscar the Grouch. Have a happy June 1st! God bless…

Basically I just kept pace today – no big projects to do. After breakfast I started a laundry load, then headed to Pinnacle. I was meeting my nephew and his son to do title work for a Jeep they bought. Isaac is very excited, as his graduation is tonight. Congrats, Isaac!

I stopped at Aldi and Walmart to get a few items, but only need about 10 things. Once I got home I made myself a few leftovers for lunch and started on the Skunk Hollow story for next weekend.

I answered emails and packed everything in the car for Logan’s party tomorrow in Ohio. And that brings me current. So I did keep busy all day but nothing exciting! Tomorrow I’m sure I’ll have pictures to share and more exciting things from the party.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Thought for Today:

TOMORROW May 31st is:

Autonomous Vehicle Day; Dragon Boat Festival Day; National Fisherfolks Day; National Macaroon Day; National Save Your Hearing day; National Smile Day; National Speak in Complete Sentences Day; World No Tobacco Day; World Parrot Day.

Logan’s Grad Party! I’ll be there all day. I don’t fish, but I’ll try to smile a lot. Have a lovely weekend – hoping for DRY! God bless…

I set out first thing this morning determined to stay focused and positive. Thankfully I slept much better and felt refreshed when I got up.

My follow up CT scan was in Latrobe, and that went very well. The technicians and nurses were very friendly and efficient and I was out of there even before my scheduled time. I buzzed into Walmart (next door) but didn’t see what I wanted. Not very often I go to Walmart and don’t spend any money! When I came home I looked on my health portal and the CT Scan results were posted. All is well.

Kelly was looking for white bowls for chips (Logan’s party) and I found one at Dollar Tree so that was a plus. I stopped and got gas in the Jeep on the way to Pinnacle. I did have a few things to do, but also spent time chatting with both Barry and Sir Rege. Rege got bit – the doctor thinks it’s a spider bite – and it’s probably the ugliest thing I have ever seen! Barry and I were chatting about getting the best night’s sleep. I was there for about an hour and a half.

I felt unmotivated to mow, but I ate half a sandwich, a few bites of popcorn, and suited up! It was warmer than I thought, and I took a few breaks. I should have gone inside and changed again but I just kept going. Once I finished mowing, I cleaned the mower (twice in a row!) and hosed off the driveway. I had some weed-whacking to do up front, then swept the walks. It felt very good to be done!

I have been knocking the bird nest down every few hours. I knocked it off the light last night, and cleaned up the mess on the deck. When I came home from work today – I found this. Bummer…

I took a few flower pictures — just because!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS? – Two today.

TOMORROW May 30th is:

International Hug your Cat Day; National Creativity Day; National E-Bike Day; National Heat Awareness Day; National Hole in my Bucket Day; World MS Day; National Water a Flower Day.

I’ll remind Jen to hug her cat! I’m trying to be creative. My cousin Mark has a E-Bike. Thankfully none of my buckets have holes. Otherwise I couldn’t water my flowers! God bless…

Wow – another low-key day. I was busy all day, but nothing worth sharing! I’ll bore you anyway.

I couldn’t get to sleep last night, and I couldn’t say why. I finally fell asleep sometime after 6am, and woke up at 8:30. After a shower and breakfast I started cleaning, and finished upstairs by 1pm and then I was done downstairs by 5:30. I took the trash up, even though since Monday was a holiday, the pickup is probably a day later. I’m ready, whichever day they come!

The furnace-a/c guy called me with the second estimate. The two companies are only a small amount apart, so now I just have to make the decision and let them know my choice. I already made up my mind but I have to let it settle a few days then I’ll call. Hard call to make but basically an easy decision.

The silly robin keeps trying to rebuild the nest on the light, even though I did put a plastic bag over it. I’ve torn it down a few times yesterday and today. I just can’t deal with all that mess again, when my yard is full of trees and they can have their choice.

I also signed up for Family Frontier Court Days at Hanna’s Town – which is June 14 and 15. I will work the tavern upstairs from 10am to 1pm both days as those are harder spots to fill. And I leave for vacation on the 16th and need to be organized and ready.

I think I’ll make myself a burger for supper later.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 29th is:

Ascension Day; Learn About Composting Day; Mt. Everest Day; National Alligator Day; National Biscuit Day; National Paperclip Day; National Snail Day; Oak Apple Day; Put a Pillow in your Fridge Day; National 529 Day.

I’m sure I don’t have room for a pillow in my fridge. Is the asparagus having trouble sleeping? Biscuits sound good! I have a bunch of paperclips, mostly multi-colored. God bless!

Started out as a nice day but slipped into rain and wind. I had a few things to do today – Work in the morning and an errand in mid-afternoon.

After work I left the car parked outside, and got the tote out that I store the r/w/b decorations in. I gathered them all up – inside and out – and tucked them in the box. I also changed the flags.

While I had the garage wide open, I decided to go through the little boxes and trays that held my miscellaneous items – like screws and bolts and wires and light switch plates, etc. I had 3 piles. The first – the smallest – was ‘keep’. I eliminated an entire basket, which I felt good about. The second was toss, which was the largest. I had a replacement bulb for a flood light that I haven’t had in about 8 years! I also discovered a hidden treasure….

The last bag was to take down to Peyton. He’s always fixing something for someone and I thought he could go through everything and keep what he wanted. The shelf, and my mind, is much clearer now! Also swept out the garage.

I handled a few emails, then drove over to the bank to get cash for the weekend. I was supposed to pick up Autmn’s little sister Josie but her event got cancelled so I didn’t have to. I stopped at Gabe’s to get sponges for the kitchen, and ended up with a pair of capris for summer – plain black and very comfy.

And now I’m sitting here watching it lightly rain…

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Two today:

TOMORROW May 28th is:

International Burger Day; National Brisket Day; Whooping Crane Day; World Hunger Day; World Otter Day; National Flip Flop Day.

I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a Hamburger today! (Anyone recognize that quote??) That would stamp out world hunger. God bless!

Started the morning by doing a load of laundry, then I finally got to the Orange Drop Cookies. The recipe makes a lot of cookies – seven trays! – but I figure if I’m going to that much trouble (and squeezing the fresh oranges is a bit of trouble) I may as well make the whole batch.

While the cookies cooled – before I iced them – I went outside. I pulled stray weeds and trimmed a bunch of branches from trees and shrubs that were dead or in the way. I also took time to water the seeds, grass, and newly planted ground cover and azaleas since it (amazingly) hasn’t rained in a few days.

I was looking for a hook to tie the peonies back – Surprise!

I came back in and iced the cookies and tucked them all in the freezer. Also threw a load of towels and cleaning rags and gardening stuff in the washer – they are drying now.

Earlier this morning I was checking facebook and Tonia posted the Mt. Pleasant parade and band performance – it’s Isaac’s last time to march before graduation. I was impressed and touched by their performance and listened to everything she shared. It was very moving and helped me focus on the great job – as well as sacrifices – that so many made for us to live in this country as we do.

Today I’m honoring my Grandad Crooks, my dad, my uncles Sidney Steiner, Jim Crooks, Gene Cornman, and Hank Steiner. I’m sure there are others – but these were the ones I was closest to. I know my friend April’s daughter Gabby is also currently serving in the Air Force. Sorry I don’t have military pics of Jim, Hank or Sid!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 27th is:

National Cellophane Tape Day; National Grape Popsicle Day; National Gray Day; National Sunscreen Day; Nothing to Fear Day; Old Time Player Piano Day.

Grape popsicles used to be my favorite growing up. I’m generally afraid of something. Grama Crooks had a player piano and we loved to watch Grama or Aunt Joan play! God bless…

Seven months until Christmas Day, as Bud would have said! Better write out your list…

Beautiful day today but it did get chilly. The sun was bright and happy. Wayne preached this morning on Prejudice. We see things through our filter and not as God sees them. Everyone is valuable in God’s eyes – and we were born into blessings and should be thankful. We often rationalize so we don’t feel guilty about our thoughts. Ask God to help us overcome prejudice.

I buzzed home after church but decided to stop at the cemetery and take pictures of the flags lining the driveway. I was surprised at how cluttered the grave markers were. I looked for Aunt Peggy and Aunt Gail but couldn’t find them. I know they are close the bench that is dedicated to them.

I didn’t have any garden tools with me and I was dressed in good clothes, so I went home and grabbed a bowl of potato soup. Then I made chocolate drizzled popcorn.

My honey supply was getting low, and I have been saving the empty jars. I get my honey at Miller’s Crossing Fleatique so I went down there. They were happy to get the jars, and I purchased a bluebells coaster from Rusty’s booth.

Autmn called and asked if I had any totes that I wasn’t using, so I quick buzzed home and we found one they could have. She and Noah showed me their new pink frog and a weird lizard. I wouldn’t let her show me anything creepy…

Finally, once they left to go to Noah’s mom’s (who lives a few blocks from me) I decided I could go out and clean the markers at the cemetery. They look so much nicer.

While I was there I found my friend Ron Buschek’s marker, down the hill from Mom and Dad. I didn’t have any water left, and my rag was total mud, so I just brushed it off and cleared a few stray weeds. Maybe his family will go over tomorrow. They live just down the road.

I picked a few tiny flowers and stuck them in a vase. They brighten up the room!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 26th is:

Decoration/Memorial Day; National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cherry Dessert Day; National Paper Airplane Day; National Sorry Day; World Dracula Day; World Red Head Day.

I remember that during my whole childhood we would pile into several cars and all go ‘decorate’ the cemeteries of our families. It was our way to honor and remember them. I’m not sure what I should be sorry for, but I’m sure it’s something. And I do have a favorite red head! God bless..

I don’t mind saying I’m tired. I worked inside all morning until lunch, then outside all afternoon. Just little tasks but I didn’t take any breaks. Started out changing and washing bed sheets, then after breakfast I cleaned and wiped out the medicine cabinet, the warming drawer on the stove, the wooden bench in the kitchen, the extension cords and light bulbs in the front closet. That took me up to lunch.

After my hot dog, I came downstairs and cleaned out the old shower, which I use for storage these days. Wiped the walls down and cleaned out the drawers and shelves.

I also cleaned out under the bathroom sink downstairs, and took everything out of the pantry. Some things that aren’t getting eaten quick enough I plan to share with Autmn. The kids are never here anymore for quick lunches and I don’t want them to go bad.

By then the dryer load was finished and I folded everything. Now it was time to go outside. I started out by finally mowing the lawn. I had to weed whack the bottom yard but that didn’t take long.

The last two times I cut I didn’t clean out under the mower so I did it today. That is such a messy job and I don’t really know how to do it right or easily. But it looked a lot better. Once I had that done, I started on my garden tools and supplies. I few years ago the girls at work got me a cute little bench/cart and I let that sit for a while. It was good to get it totally scrubbed out, dried, and everything put away nicely, Also organized the few tools that I use every day and straightened the shelves. By then it was time to come inside.

I hope to make potato soup as soon and I finish posting this. I needed to take a shower, since the last thing I did before I came inside was to spray B-Gon around the fire pit and along the white fence. I get nervous using that stuff so I wanted to use my inhaler, get cleaned up, and put on different clothes. I’m officially hungry!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 26th is:

Geek Pride Day; Indianapolis 500; National Bath Bomb Day; National Brown Bag it Day; National Sing Out Day; National Tap Dance Day; National Wine Day; Towel Day.

I use towels every day. I like singing with the radio. I don’t expect to dance at all, or to pack my lunch. But go for it if that’s your thing. God bless…

Here we are, beginning the first ‘summer’ holiday of 2025. Can’t believe it’s Memorial Day weekend.

I started a load of laundry first thing, then got right to work on washing windows. It was raining off and on but it came straight down and didn’t bother my task at all. I finished up by wiping down the garage door – it always needs that after the sloppy winter.

The second task on my list was a meeting with a furnace/a-c rep, getting a second quote for the furnace and air conditioner. I’m pretty well convinced I’m going to take the first offer, but I’ll wait for his official submission before I notify both parties.

Even though it’s been cool and rainy all day, I still set out to get my errands done. Still had one final chore for Logan’s party, then got groceries for myself. That took three different stops! Once I got home, Nate and Dave popped over and checked the gutters on my house. They were cleaning the neighbor’s, so it was an easy stop.

While they were checking it out, I took some pictures of the newest blooms in the yard. And that will be it for the day.

Oh, but I did get a frozen Coke at Burger King when I went at Shop n Save in Youngwood. I was due for one!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 24th is:

National Brother’s Day; National Italian Beef Day; National Scavenger Hunt Day; National Wig Out Day; Tiara Day; National Escargot Day.

I don’t have a brother, but my daughter does! We always loved scavenger hunts. And that’s about it. I will celebrate sunshine if we finally have some. God bless…