January 28, 2025

It was warmer today and the snow is melting off – still slowly. The little patch of sun that peeked through the clouds this morning was beautiful. I just had to work a bit to see it! I started at Pinnacle and there were a few issues to work on and clean up. I did take Sir Regis a few scones just to give him something fun to do! Then I went to Harrison City to notarize a document for one of the residents at Mary’s work. The couple was very nice, and so was their little dog Harley!

Pink and yellow morning sky.

I had soup for lunch when I got home, then started on more drawers and cupboards. I found (although they weren’t actually lost) my two charm bracelets and my class ring. I seldom wear them, but two of the charms had come off so I was able to refasten them.

High school bracelet
Ring in the center – then graduation cap, golf bag (Stoney golfed), Ladder of success (questionable…), Bridesmaid, Christmas bells, National Honor Society symbol, Love letter, horse (we had horses), another bridesmaid, pot belly stove (cabin).
Later bracelet.
Baby shoes, Colonial Williamsburg, Star, IMAGINE, Snoopy, Lantern, sunhat, Owl, Cabin, Amish buggy (Smicksburg, Snoopy, Key (to my heart???), my first heart locket.

I sorted out the storage drawers and put folders in two drawers (I got rid of more than I kept!). I also put my colored copy paper in one drawer, my research info in another drawer, and copies of my short stories and writing prompts in another drawer. I found some old poetry and essays that were from High School and before! Anyone out there remember the song that I wrote? ‘Roger Doll’? Ha! And the Tazz stories and the Skunk Hollow essays and so many others! I still have a few bins in the garage that I need to sort through. Nothing out there will need tossed, just made a little neater! Including my Civil War research!

Closet and drawers

Short post today because I do have some other things to do. I DID get the ironing done last night – so yea for that. The pile to be donated is getting bigger!

SCRIPTURE of the Day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 29th is:

National Puzzle Day; Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary; Chinese New Year; Curmudgeons day; Free Thinkers Day; National Carnation Day; National Corn Chip Day.

Can’t go wrong with corn chips. I don’t have the patience for puzzles! I’m glad that thinking is still free. God bless…

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Happy birthday Kelly Sabrina!

I sat down this afternoon looking for a few different pictures. It was such a walk down memory lane! I can barely remember what life was like when the kids were little/younger. Below – you can take that walk with me!

Newborn
Bathing beauty in pigtails!
Her Amish tendencies come out at Halloween…
The Baby Doll is Baby Sister. Her dad told her that was the only baby sister she’d ever have!
This was her dad’s favorite picture of her.
Raking leaves… with a shovel!
(Grama Dot’s Shady Lane house)
A lap full of kittens.
Sharing her mom’s beloved Colonial Williamsburg! (Wythe garden)
Happily Ever After

I also found a picture of Nate and I can really see Cameron in that picture!

Doesn’t this look like Cameron??

Happy birthday, Kelly. Have a great day and a beautiful year, and I hope you get the peace and quiet you asked for!

I was at work for two hours this morning – just trying to figure out a few issues that needed corrected. Then Rege and I sat and discussed some of the Presidential mandates, and retirement and social security. When I got home I had soup for lunch, which warmed me up and tasted yummy.

image of social security1
Basically, yea…..

I went outside twice and got most of the driveway finished. Then I sorted out some things in the garage and reorganized the give-away bags. I still have ironing to do – the pile keeps getting bigger!

What you see is still frozen solid.
The pile keeps growing!

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 28th is:

Christa McAuliffe Day; Data Privacy Day; Lego Day; National Daisy Day; National Blueberry Pancake Day; National Kazoo Day; National Pediatrician Day; National Plan for Vacation Day; Pop Art Day; Rattlesnake Roundup Day; National Gift of the Lady Bug Day.

Kelly was at home sick with my mom when the shuttle blew up. She cried. We already planned the first phase of our vacation. No way am I doing ANYTHING with rattlesnakes! Lady Bugs I can do! God bless…

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January 26, 2025

The sun was shining today and the temps were up a bit. Certainly not too warm but an improvement. Our new class started for the Sunday School hour – ‘What HCC is all about’ (paraphrased). Reminded me of the Raldo Cook days! Todd’s message was continuing in the ‘Church’ series. Today was the story of Saul/Paul. His conversion and the letters he wrote to the churches of the early church are a key part of the New testament. His life ended, but the world was impacted, and greatly influenced the Gentile church. We weren’t looking for a Messiah. But Christ died for our sins, was buried, raised from the dead, and appeared to hundreds. That is the Gospel, and our focus.

After church I baked the scones, and had one for lunch, with fresh icing. I also started the roast to simmer for the veggie soup. It’s still cooking and almost done. I just want to add a few noodles or rice to top it off.

Got a little carried away with the chips….
A few extra bites of roast…
Soup simmering

Once I had lunch, I went to the garage. I had to look for a few things and I cleaned out a few craft storage boxes that were out of hand. The garage floor was a messy disaster so I kept the car outside and swept it thoroughly. I carried extra bins (that I emptied out yesterday) down to store in the shed.

Getting rid of a few trash bags full of stuff, and an old wooden creaky chair. And a binder.

The snow is not melting fast enough, so I shoveled off the rest of the bottom of the driveway. Since I had shoveled the top part of the driveway snow into the parking space, I had to clean it out. Not so easy. A lot of it was frozen piles. I got about half of it done. It was heavy and stuck to the drive. But it’s a good start. Maybe it’ll melt off a bit and I can finish tomorrow.

Bottom
Half done.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Romans 5 verse 8 hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy
From Todd’s message.

PEANUTS ?

This may contain: a cartoon character holding a red mailbox in the snow

TOMORROW January 27th is:

Better Business Communication Day; Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day; Holocaust Memorial Day; National Chocolate Cake Day; Punch the Clock Day; Vietnam Peace Day.

Tomorrow is Kelly’s birthday! We’ll celebrate that tomorrow with pictures. I’ll take the chocolate cake. Glad I don’t have to punch a clock these days. Who doesn’t appreciate bubble wrap? God bless….

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January 25, 2025

Start making your list — Eleven months until Christmas Day! I’m not ready. I changed and washed my bed sheets, then had breakfast and started on my day. I did a bit of reading while I was drinking my hot tea. I decided to get a jump on making scones and mixed them up before lunch and tucked them into the fridge until tomorrow when I’ll bake and freeze them.

Chillin’ overnight.

I saw a panther in my back yard this morning – sneaking across the snowy ground, jumping up the fence and leaping off the other side. Actually it was a cat…

I decided that today would be a reorganize day. I went through some drawers and closets and sorted out things I didn’t need or were just plain trash. I started with the upstairs flag room closet and little cupboard.

Candles and rice bags
Closet

Also went through the coat closet downstairs, and reorganized the storage bins, the closet shelf, and the drawers.

From shelf
Organized and put back.
Bins from closet
Finished.

While I’m typing I am watching Surprised by Love starring Paul Campbell. We all know he’s my favorite…

Surprised by Love

That’s enough for today, after doing a bunch of laundry. I should probably iron but we’ll see when I’m done here.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 26th is:

Dental Drill Appreciation Day; International Customs Day; National Bible Sunday; National Green Juice Day; National Spouse Day; National Peanut Brittle Day.

I DON’T Appreciate dental drills! We should celebration national Bible day. If you have a spouse, celebrate! God bless…

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January 24, 2025

January has kept me on a medical treadmill, but I think I’m slowing down. I do feel like I’m on the upswing but not done with all of this quite yet. I hadn’t intended to go out today, although it’s sunny and a little warmer than it has been all week. Had a few more things recommended by my doctor yesterday. Nice to see the sun shine on the bright snow!

Sunshine and shadows

Nate txt me last night and they got their new freezer delivered yesterday. It’s twice the size as the old little one I gave them, and after dragging home half a cow last weekend they need it! I took my little roast out of the freezer – and tomorrow or Sunday I hope to make veggie soup. I just finished eating last week’s potato soup for lunch today.

I neglected to post a picture of the cutting board I got at the Big Lot’s Going-out-of-Business sale. The discount wasn’t too impressive yet but I really like the board.

And before I forget, a big shout out of Kathy’s friend (and mine, as well!) Mae Bee Romisher! Happy birthday, Mae! Enjoy your day! Come on back up for another visit…

Me, Kath and Mae

I was able to get my laundry done this morning – now to finish the ironing! I’m watching a Hallmark movie and I have to say — most of the time I prefer to avoid the overly romantic movies but I’m watching The Real West — and the lead is super romantic. And the lead actress is Kimberly Sustad who is my favorite actress!

Ironing pile on the left.
The Real West Bonus Feature of 14-Love Letters

Look at this! Isn’t it the best thing ever? That would be the coolest and most comfy thing to have!!!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Song of Solomon 7:10 - "¶ I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me."

Depict an interpretation of Song of Solomon 7:10, 'I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.' The scene should reflect a sense of romance and mutual affection. Use a medium that gives the effect of digital art with vibrant colors, smooth lines, and a use of light and dark shades. This should not be replicated as any modern digital artists' style, but rather convey the same advanced technique and sophistication of digital artistry.
Song of Solomon 7:6 – “How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!”

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 25th is:

A Room of One’s Own Day; Fluoride Day; Local Quilt Shop Day; National Fish Taco Day; National Florida Day; National Irish Coffee Day; National Seed Swap Day; Observe The Weather Day; Opposite Day; St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Eleven months until Christmas Day!! I have my own room; in fact I have my own house. Opposite of WHAT?? I’m not planning on a trip to Florida. I use fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Have a happy weekend and God bless.

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January 23, 2025

Well, I had the last (???) medical appointment for January – that I know of. It turned out OK. I really like this doctor – we have a mutual good friend (that’s how we met) and I trust her and she’s very thorough.

Her hair’s a bit longer now…

So after I finished with that appointment, Chrissy met me at the house and we had lunch at Panera Bread. We both had broccoli cedar soup – and a baguette. Perfect for a cold day! We had fun chatting, too – Chrissy and her friend Hope like Thrift shopping, and I gave her the names of the three local Fleatiques that I frequent. I hope they can go soon. She’s really liking her job, and training for a management position. I’m happy to see her happy!

Photo taken at Panera Bread by Kathleen H. on 2/15/2012

She sent me a picture of the dishes she found for our next Crocus Tea – it’s an entire set of vintage plates and bowls and cups and accessories. She’s very excited! They are beautiful!

For Crocus Tea

After she dropped me off, I had to pop over to help Mike P with something, then picked up 2 items that I need for the weekend. I intend to spend the rest of the day typing, reading, and watching HGTV.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 24th is:

Just Do It Day; Beer Can Appreciation Day; Belly Laugh Day; Change a Pet’s Life Day; International Mobile Phone Recycling Day; National Compliment Day; National Peanut Butter Day.

I’ve never, ever appreciated a beer can! A simple act of kindness can change a pet’s life. We should be more generous with our compliments. Not a big fan of Peanut Butter. Happy Thursday – God bless…

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January 22, 2025

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

Aluf Plastics 55 Gal. 2.0 mil Heavy-Duty Black Trash Bags (100-Count)  PG6-6060 - The Home Depot

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.

commercial device with blood pressure ...
Not actual reading….

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…

Chrissy at Christmas

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.

One of my favorites…

Scripture of the Day:

Matthew 6:21 ESV | Creative | Scripture Art | Free Church ...
Does Christmas count???

PEANUTS?

May be an image of text

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!

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January 21, 2025

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!’

Nate and his ‘Baby Doll’
Autmn, Tazz and Snoopy
Diva!
Yes, she is!
Colonial Kid
She DID it!
Autmn’s little family!
LOVE seeing her happy!

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!

May be an image of road and tree
Balmy 17*

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…

Similar to this….

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!

creative writing activities
Procrastinating….

Scripture of the Day:

Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice & Be Glad – Encouraging Bible Verses
My mom’s favorite verse!
Happy Birthday, Autmn!

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!!!

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Inauguration Day 2025

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…. 🙂

Vice President Vance
President Trump took great pains to confirm that he chose this presidency ON PURPOSE!

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!

Dr. Nicole Bosley

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.

Needs done
This much done.

Scripture of the Day:

A quote in the inauguration speech.

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…

Our newborn Autmn Rose
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January 19, 2025

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!

Cameron and Autmn

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.

Lynne and I
We worked together at Smail’s

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

Panoramic view of Smicksburg. Amish country.
Jason and his (our) cow.
Butchering saw.
Dave, Greg, Sarah O, Sarah P, Nate, Cow
Greg and Kath – waiting to wrap
Far left, Lynn. Sarah O, Sarah P, Dave, Jason sawing quarter.
Ethan in Yellow, Nate, Sarah O, Sarah P, Jason
Sarah P, Ethan, Nate, Cow.
First quarter
Lynn and Kathy wrapping – Courtney, AJ and UC watching
Where’s the BEEF???
Ethan prepping for Ground Meat
Courtney, Kath, Nate – ready to wrap
Jason and Dave – cutting roasts
Greg, Lynn behind him, Sarah P, Nate, Dave.
Aunt Joan – eating chips and keeping watch.
Nate’s back, Lynn, Sarah O – trimming steaks

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!

Nate – 1/2; Pelc – 1/4; Dave – 1/8; Kath and Sarah O – 1/8 share
PART of Nate’s beef.

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

Me and Kathy Christmas 1958
In our Shady Lane house – living room
Christmas 1958
Mom, Dad, Kathy (and doll) me
(I always wore skirts and dresses)
Me, Kath and Doll.
What in the world is in my hair??
Mom, Dad and Me —
I would have been 6.

Scripture of the Day:

From Sunday school

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…

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