After the routine Saturday morning chores, I left the house at about 10:45am. First I popped over to the bank and deposited a check, then went on to pick Kathy up. We drove over to Delmont for the history program presented by Ken Serfass who portrays General Ulysses S Grant. He does an Excellent job! He knows so much about Grant and about history – Civil War. We sat for 2 hours to listen to his presentation. I always learn something and there’s always facts that are very insightful and unique. He touched on so many things that were in my book (Letters to Mary) that I ran out to the car and got one for him. He seemed excited and likes to read books with actual letters and researched facts. I hope he gets in touch with me after he reads it. Today’s presentation was ‘Lee’s Surrender, April 1865’.

I feel like I should have my own room at Walmart. I have been there so often these last few weeks. There is always some special event that I have to prepare for. Today I picked up a few items for our Crocus Tea tomorrow. Autmn and Cameron, and Chrissy and her friend Hope are all coming. So tomorrow will be our 13th annual Crocus Tea! That’s quite a record!

I have been seeing a lot of beautiful trees in bloom – most of them white blossoms. I tried to get a few pictures but without the bright sun they don’t look as impressive. I’m afraid to wait in case the sun doesn’t shine before they are done blooming.

In the mail today I got a Trip Tik from Gen for our trip to her house in June. Kath and I will have to sit down and study it together so we both know where we are going!

As for yesterday afternoon, there was a community Volunteer Fair at the Civic Center. There was an entire room full of tables representing organizations that basically survive on volunteer participation. I was there with Ligonier Valley Writers. My friend Teresa Baughman from the theatre was there, as well as Lisa and Mary Ann from Hanna’s Town. I don’t know how anyone can be bored in Westmoreland County with so many wonderful organizations that are constantly looking for helping hands!

While I was there, Bear called me to ask me to usher next weekend. I will try to go Friday night if I can. He sent me pictures of their new puppies – Furguson and Winnie. They are very cute French Bulldogs.

I intend on spending the rest of the evening watching HGTV, finding something for dinner, and reading my book.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 6th is:

Army Day; California Poppy Day; Drowsy Driver Awareness Day; Fresh Tomato Day; Geologist Day; Good Deeds Day; Jump over Things Day; National Caramel Popcorn Day; National Employee Benefits Day; National Library Day; National Pajama Day; National Siamese Cat Day; National Teflon Day; National Twinkie Day; Plan your Epitaph Day.

I love home-grown tomatoes! It’s really nice to do a good deed whenever you can. I’d rather do chocolate covered popcorn than caramel. Growing up, my friend Gen had Siamese cats. We could never get near them. They lived in her basement, mostly. Enjoy a Twinkie if you like; I prefer to stick with the tomatoes. God bless…

I slept better than I though I would. I did wake up at 6:30 and was wide awake. I’ve just been putsying around all morning, and just finished a load of laundry. My birdhouse barn fell down, so I put on a raincoat and put it back up – as well as the wooden Snoopy that is forever taking a dive!

I walked around the house on the way to the mailbox and took a few pictures. The warmer weather and the rain has made them really pop up.

About 9pm – last night – Barry txt me to see if I was OK. Of course I was, and I ask him if he was doing alright. They all seem to be all holding up, even the building. I found out this morning that Barry was on the Channel 11 news, so I watched that and took some pictures. They did finally get the car out.

This morning first thing I txt Rege and asked him to call me. He said that everyone had a positive attitude and would take things one at a time, but would keep operating with whatever limits there are. They own a huge house on the same lot so they could work out of that building if necessary. So that’s my update.

My sister stopped and dropped off a booster seat for Cameron to use. She also brought me a bouquet of beautiful flowers — thankful that I got through unscathed yesterday when so many other things could have happened. God is good! Thank you, sweet sister!

Today is the community Volunteer Fair at the Greensburg Civic Center. I offered to help at the Ligonier Valley Writer’s booth, so I’ll head over there a little before 3pm. The fair is from 3pm to 6pm.

Today is the 9th Anniversary of B&B Window Cleaning – so a huge congratulation to Nate and Dave. Great job, guys. I’m SO proud of you both (and Jen for keeping you straight)!

And I think I’ll just leave you for now with the SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 5th is:

National Handmade Day; National Flash Drive Day; National Deep Dish Pizza Day; National Dandelion Day; National Caramel Day; International Firewalk Day; International Pillow Fight Day; Go for Broke Day; First Contact Day; Every Day is Tag Day; Bell Bottoms Day; National Love our Children Day; National PEEPS Day; Read a Road Map Day; National Play Outside Day.

Pizza is good. No dandelions, although the bees like them! Can’t go broke if you’re already there! I used to wear bell bottoms. Now we leave it to Lainie Wilson! God Bless.

I got a lot of things done today, and I felt good about that, but that was all superseded but this afternoon’s adventure. When I went to work this morning the internet was down. Ken called Comcast and they were sending someone out between 2 and 4pm. So I said I’d be back at 4pm to finish what I couldn’t do early. It was the adventure at 4:30pm that shook up the day – quite literally.

I was sitting at my desk in the front of the building – which is directly in front of the window. I couldn’t get the USPS site to work, so I asked Ken to help. We went into Rege’s desk in the back, and still had trouble. I was looking over his shoulder when the loudest explosion-type noise that I every heard hit the building. I grabbed his shoulders and buried my head in his back. He yelled and jumped up – Barry came flying into the front room and yelled, ‘A car just drove through the building.’

It missed my window by a few feet and knocked the porch completely down, and crashed into the outside wall by the stairwell. We couldn’t even open the door to get out, and the stairs were blocked. Apparently a guy went through the intersection, straight across 6 lanes of Route 30, and full throttle hit the building. A man in a pickup who was behind him followed him over, jumped out and called 9-1-1. The first responder on the scene made us come out of the building in case it was compromised. I grabbed the checkbook and what I was working on, as well as my purse and phone. (Can’t leave my work undone!)

Once we were out, we weren’t allowed to go back in. So Ken, Barry and I stood outside and watched the parking lot fill up with police, fire trucks, rescue squad, ambulance – whatever could fit. The ambulance personnel did get the guy out, and took him to the hospital. The car was holding up the building so they couldn’t move it at that point. One of the fire crew secured the porch roof with wooden posts. The police and the fire department took our names and contact information and asked us what we saw. I didn’t see anything until it was over, but I sure heard it.

The temperature fell and the wind kicked up and it started to sprinkle rain. When I left the house it was sunny and balmy so I didn’t have a jacket. The parking lot was full of emergency vehicles, so finally the officer accompanied Ken into the building to get the keys for all the cars. Ken and Barry moved a few and opened up a place to get out onto Route 30. Rege came about 15 minutes later, trying to make sense of everything. I left there about 6pm, came home and took two Tylenol and had a cup of tea. It’s something I won’t forget in a long time. NO idea how long it will take to sure up the building or when they will let us back in, or what it will take to repair it.

Right before I left a new helicopter hovered over the site, and then a reporter was walking around. I was glad I left before I had to talk to him. Business has been slow through fall and winter, and had just started to pick up, and now this. I feel so bad for everyone – the man in the car, the owners, those of us who work there. So now, we wait. But I am very thankful none of us were hurt and that so many caring, efficient people came as first responders to make sure we were safe. God bless them, every one!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 4th is:

404 Day; Discover National Parks Fortnight; International Carrot Day; Jeep 4×4 Day (I just got a Cherokee to drive this morning!); National Hug a Newsperson Day (And here I was trying to avoid one!); National Picky Eaters Day; National Walk Around Things Day; School Librarian Day; Tell a Lie Day (um, not!); Vitamin C Day; Walk to Work Day.

I’m not sure I’ll have a job to walk to for a while. It’s better to walk around things than to trip over them. I’m glad to have a few days off after the trauma this afternoon. God bless — us all!

I finished the book I was reading before I got up. After shower and breakfast I started doing the cleaning. As typical, I cleaned and read and cleaned and read and cleaned and read….. and washed a load of towels. Now I’m going to post this, answer an email, and get supper. I froze the leftover meatloaf so I’ll have to see what I decide.

As promised, here are some Easter decorations that I put up Monday and Tuesday.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 3rd is:

National Tweed Day; National Find a Rainbow Day; A Drop of Water is a Grain of Gold; American Circus Day; Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day (???); Fan Dance Day; Fish Fingers and Custard Day; National Burrito Day; National Chocolate Mousse Day; National Film Score day; Pony Express Day.

I wonder how many people would actually go to work only if it means they’d have fun? I would! I think it’s to rain tomorrow so possibly we’ll see a rainbow. Fish fingers?? I watched an reenactment of the Pony Express Ride one day. It was pretty cool. God bless…

So far, so good with April Fool’s. Despite the sunshine it was very cool today. Ken said at one point it looked like it was snowing. But then again, you should never entirely trust Ken… (April Fool??)

I had a few things to do in Jeannette, then stopped at the Dollar Tree. I needed some greeting cards. I popped into Walmart because I was tired of toast or crackers and cheese. I made a meatloaf and I will slide it into the oven shortly to have for supper.

After lunch I cleaned the items from my car. Sir Rege said they are switching me cars on Thursday so I’m ready. I probably won’t leave the house tomorrow so I’m set. Then I took some pictures outside.

I also made sure all the calendars were done and SNOOPY was updated. I finished the ironing from yesterday and plan to pay bills next.

Di sent me a txt after her hike on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. Looks like someone was trying to make coffee in the wilds. She said she was pretty sure the logs weren’t wired or plumbed!

Here are some outside decorations in the yard.

And here are some inside decorations. I’ll just post a few and then take more later.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow April 2nd is:

Autism Acceptance Day; Deaf History Month; International Children’s Book Day; National DIY Day; National Ferret day; National PB&J Day; National Reconciliation Day; National Walking day; Nature Day.

Kath might be interested in the Deaf History thing. I’ll focus on the children’s books. We should all walk more! God bless…

Well, here we are – the last day of March. The year is flying by! April is full from beginning to end and I’ll be lucky to come out on the other side with all my faculties! But most of it is fun – except for 2 medical appointments.

After breakfast this morning I started on the remaining bins for the Easter decorations. I just finished everything inside except for the window stickees. I do have a few little outdoor things to do.

I have currently been on hold on the phone with the trash pickup company. I could not access the online payment portal. So I’m trying to see how to pay my bill. My account was messed up in January which has been corrected but I still need to pay this.

Yesterday I did go outside for a short time just to check out the yard after church. My hyacinths are really popping up and blooming.

I’m going outside now to finish the decorations. So I’ll send pictures tomorrow of the house!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 1st is:

April Fool’s Day; National Sourdough Bread Day; Edible Book Day; Fossil Fools Day; International Fun at Work Day; Library Snap Shot Day; National Fun Day; National Greeting Card Day; National Loyal Day; National One Cent Day; Reading is Funny Day.

I hope I don’t end up the fool! It wouldn’t be hard. I don’t eat books. I hope we all have a bit of fun tomorrow, and find a penny for good luck! God bless…

I helped Stephanie this morning in Sunday School. She was asking for guidance since the boys are different ages and are challenging to teach. They both need a different level. We had a good class, had some good discussions, and came up with some solutions.

Todd’s message this morning was about how others see what we say and do. We must shine in our culture – imitate God and follow the example of Christ. We aren’t perfect, but our desire to reflect Christ should show above all else. God doesn’t keep records of our sin or errors, but looks for how much of His Son he sees in Us. What do people see of Christ is us? How we say something is just as important as what we say. Be consistent; Speak the truth but with Tact. If we don’t, the message of truth gets lost. Be sincere.

Saturday the 12th is HCC’s Easter Egg Hunt. I brought a yard sign home to help get the word out.

This is all I’m posting tonight. I’ve pulled all the Easter decorations out of the garage and I have stuff everywhere. Thankfully I can work on it tomorrow since I’m not working.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 31st is:

Crayola Crayon Day; Eiffel Tower Day; National Bunsen Burner Day; National Clams on the Half Shell Day; National Farm Workers day; National She’s Funny That Way Day; National Tater Day; Prom Day; World Backup Day.

I like crayons, but Kelly LOVED them. Every birthday and holiday she would get a box of 64 crayons! My family have some farm workers among them – they might grow taters. God bless!!

Typical Saturday morning. Changed and washed sheets, then filled my pill keeper for the week. Had a quick breakfast and left for Hanna’s Town. We were having volunteer training and an afternoon session on Colonial clothing.

The training went well, and introduced us to different options of volunteer options. I offered to shadow the people who demonstrate the clothing exhibit. That would be something different for school tours because I usually do tin punch. It would also add a little to the guided tours that I do. I don’t have much insight on the types of dress. Kelton had a pretty cool quote for us.

Also, there are two free museum days coming up in May that I’m really excited about. The first one is May 17th, a celebration in honor of Hanna’s Town Resolves, the pre-cursor of the Declaration of Independence. The 16th is the 250 Anniversary of the Resolves. I plan to help guide that day. Another free day is Memorial Day and I do always try to help that day. If that changes I will post information ahead of time.

After the training and the question-answer session, we all introduced ourselves. There were 4 or 5 new people there who are interested in getting involved. I’m sitting far right front with my back to the camera.

We had a nice lunch and took a break before the special presentation.

Jessica Young from Penny River LLC and her assistant presented a program on Colonial clothing – what’s appropriate. I have several pages of notes that I took. It’s so interesting! In order to determine what is appropriate clothing you have to take all of these things into consideration.

She even had her associate model two men’s outfits. Yes, the flowered gown is a man’s casual at rest outfit, complete with hat! And pink was considered a manly color, as it exuded power and energy! It was a very entertaining presentation!

Once I got home I changed into outside clothes and spent a few hours cleaning the flowerbeds along the front walk. I didn’t get entirely finished but I did spend about two hours and accomplished a good bit.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 30th is:

Doctors’ Day; Land Day; Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day; National Folding Laundry Day; National Pencil Day; National Virtual Vacation day; National I am in Control Day; Pretzel Sunday; Take a Walk in the Park Day.

It looks like there’s a very narrow window to take a walk without rain. I’ll have a pretzel – I feel like I’m never in control! I just finished folding laundry so that’s it for the day. God bless…

It was cooler today, and rainy. No outside work today! That’s OK because I was busy all day.

Kathy and I went to the bank together and straightened out the cabin account. We were glad to have that part done.

From there we went to River Hill church. Kathy promised to help with the setup for their rummage sale tomorrow so I said I would help with that, too. I have never seen such an organized, efficient sale. Kathy and I wrapped and packaged the pies and fudge and cookies to be presented for the sale in the morning. I could have eaten a bite of everything, especially the Dutch apple pie! It looked so good. They were little individual pies – apple and cherry. It’s worth going to River Hill just for the snacks!

There were kids toys, craft items, pictures, books, blankets, clothes, dishware — I can’t begin to describe everything that was there.

Before we left we both took a stroll around all the rooms. I got a small purple serving tray and an Easter Snoopy. Kathy got a little wicker chair for Millie’s doll. It was hard not to bring some of the food home!

We stopped at Taco Bell in New Stanton on the way home for lunch. Chrissy was working and we got to visit with her for a few minutes.

Teresa stopped over when I got home. She had a thank you for me for helping her with her car transfer. I was glad to help, but I am also excited about the hot pad! It’s insulated to protect the counters and also keep the food warm. We had a nice visit and spent a while talking about our respective vacations. We are both going to New York this year.

The tiny hyacinth that I bought last week is really growing. It will bloom soon.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 29th is:

Earth Hour; Mermaid Day; National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day; National Smoke & Mirrors Day; New Moon March; Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day; Payday it Forward Day; World Piano Day; National Pita day.

I’ve never met a mermaid. And I didn’t know Niagara Falls ever ran dry without help. I took piano lessons for 7 years but you’d never know it! Tomorrow is refresher training at Hanna’s Town. We could all use that! God bless…

Another day of getting a few things done. Worked in Jeannette this morning, then stopped at Walmart to get my drain treatment for tomorrow. From there I had my chiropractor appointment, then went to Hepler’s Hardware. I was looking for the shrub and branch cutters that Gen told me about. She gave me three brands. I peeked at Walmart and they only had Fiskars (Third choice). Well, so did Heplers! I’ll check Lowe’s before I purchase any. There were plenty of styles but I know which type to get.

After lunch (bagel) I went outside to work. It was cool but very sunny. I brought the lawn furniture up to the deck, and a few little items to set in the yard. Still have the tote boxes contents to put out but I’ll wait for nicer weather.

Also moved a little starter shrub to the hill side, and finished weeding and cleaning up the bottom driveway bed.

Autmn called and they are trying to get a little closer to Greensburg with Noah’s job and a home. I hope they find something. It would be nice to have them closer, especially with summer coming one. And that’s my day.

I did get a bag of Easter M&M’s – they were called Easter Sundae. White and milk chocolate in the same piece. They were OK but not a favorite.

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 28th is:

Barnum and Bailey Day; Eat an Eskimo Pie Day; National Black Forest Cake Day; National Hot Tub Day; National Something on a Stick Day; National Weed Appreciation Day; Respect your Cat Day.

I have never met a weed I appreciated. Ever. I also don’t know many people who actually respect their cat. But whatever! God bless…