When Diane’s SONG OF THE DAY came across this morning, I listened to it, got up and went to the bathroom, re-heated my rice bag, and crawled back in bed and read for an hour! Didn’t have to hurry for anything! My Christmas present to myself.

After a shower and breakfast, I mixed up brownies – special request for dessert at Nate’s tonight. I washed up the dishes and they were messy with chocolate, and when I went downstairs to throw the kitchen towels in the laundry basket — the drain had backed up again! And it was still overflowing. It wasn’t going down at all. I was so upset. It took an hour before it soaked down the drain to a normal level. I cleaned everything up but was nervous about running water.

I did finally get brave enough to flush the downstairs toilet – and thankfully it didn’t back up. I can’t WAIT for the plumber to get back here tomorrow. But I suddenly remembered that Ron had left me a small Peanuts gift bag to open today, so I did that. It was a lovely little angel ornament and a candle. I really love the candle. So that cheered me up at least. It’s been a very weird and difficult holiday – as I mentioned yesterday!

But I watched an old black & white version of Christmas in Connecticut before heading down to Nate’s. Jen made a wonderful supper – so much food! I couldn’t even taste everything that she had! The kids chipped in (but Chrissy came up with the idea and did the ordering) to get me a blanket. It has the five grand-kids’ names and their birth-month flower on it. It was a teary moment!

We took a lot of photos – so here are pictures of Christmas Day at Nathan and Jen’s!!

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TOMORROW December 26th is:

National Whiners Day; National Thank You Note Day; National Candy Cane Day; Boxing Day.

Tomorrow is a full moon – the Christmas Moon. Maybe it will be like A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS (It’s a book and a movie) and travel forward in time 100 years! For me, tomorrow is back to work and hopefully plumber day! God bless…

It felt strange to take my time this morning – being there was no Sunday School! But I did get to see Grace and Max all dressed up. I know the other kids were there but I didn’t catch up with them.

Todd’s message this morning was the Wonder of Christmas. Taking notes was a bit tricky, because the bulletin was printed on black paper with white printing and holly. I wrote things down but am having trouble seeing what I wrote. But the bulletin is cool looking!

The WONDER is in what Jesus did for us. We have made ‘wonder’ a common word. Why did he come as a baby? That was Act One. The best is yet to come. Our Father goes to great length to see that we get Home. Live in the WONDER of what is yet to come!

So after lunch I decided to finally tackle the fudge. Since the bread did NOT turn out like anticipated, I was nervous about even trying. It took several hours of mixing, stirring, boiling, cooling and pouring, but the fudge DID come out! Hardened up nicely. I will take a little bit of it over to Kathy’s. This is Mom’s recipe and we grew up watching and helping and eating the yummy fudge! I have it in the pink bowl that she always put it in and sat it on the table. It’s very sweet so a little bite goes a long way!

Our special evening Christmas Eve service was so nice. Todd had the kids up on stage and gave them all a cookie, then showed a short nativity video told by kids. It was very cute. He had an adult message after that, then the candles were lit. We made a circle around the room and they turned off all the lights and sang Silent Night. It’s so much nicer than just sitting in our seats.

I am going to Kathy’s at 8pm so I’m going to close this out so I am ready to head over shortly. Happy Christmas Eve – Jump in bed and cover you head cause Santa Clause comes tonight!

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TOMORROW December 25th is:

National Pumpkin Pie Day; Christmas Day; A’phabet Day or No ‘L’ Day! (cute)

Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas Day – and celebrate the reason for the season. God bless us, every one!

Two more sleeps til Christmas! I’m ok with that. I don’t have a busy day tomorrow (morning and evening church) but Monday I have a few things to do.

But let’s start with yesterday. It was a tough day to get through. It actually started Thursday evening with a few conversations that took a turn that I didn’t expect. Wasn’t sure how to sort that all out. But I got into my day Friday by doing a load of laundry – and let it wash while I prepped the ham and got it baking in the oven. When I came down to change the load to the dryer I realized that the laundry room drain had backed up – basically flooded the room – and left a mess behind. Everything was soaked and filthy and smelly.

It took most of the morning to get that cleaned up, but the tough thing was I couldn’t wash all the rags and towels I used to do that. I knew I would have Autmn and Cam all day so I had to put that task aside until today (which I handled – more later!).

While I was waiting for Autmn to call I had some work papers to print out. The printer was being stubborn and kept shutting off and jamming. It took me over half an hour to print 3 pages. I had a few other things to do that didn’t go on track, but sort of expected that because once my focus was broken everything seemed to go awry.

I picked up Autmn, Cameron and Autmn’s youngest sister Josie and they spent the day. Cameron was good and was happy to see his Grammy. We did spend some quality time together, but Josie likes playing with him, too, so I had to share. Imagine that! But having my family here helped things, anyway.

Ron was in town and called to see if Autmn and Cameron would be here, and decided to pop over and see them. So we had a busy day shuffling food and people and TV shows. It was a pretty nice afternoon and evening. I was certainly ready for a good night’s sleep.

This morning I mixed up bread and it’s now rising in loaf pans. I was planning on going to the laundromat but I had several offers of washers to do the dirty towels. I didn’t want to put that mess in someone’s washer — but Nate has the rescue and has alot worse to wash than I had. So he offered and I accepted. I took my two loads down there and he said they would just do it and drop it off later.

I stopped at Shop and Save to get the dough for ham rolls, and found their Christmas/winter things on sale. I got a few little things that were just pennies. Nice. Then about 5pm Nate returned my towels, rags, and sheets, dry and folded! I could be spoiled!

So I cut up the ham from yesterday and made ham and cheese rolls, then I tried again with the chocolate drizzled popcorn. It turned out better but I am going to get white chocolate – it was really good that way. It’s now 7pm and I’m hoping that’s all I need to do for the day. Today was easier but I was on my feet all day, which I generally am not. I’ll watch a Hallmark movie, write in my journal, read devotions, and that will be it. I sampled the popcorn and the ham rolls so I won’t need supper.

When I was at Nate’s I noticed that Jen’s cat plaque was sticky from the package tape. I brought it home and worked on it and got it all cleaned up like new! It was the least I could do for clean laundry.

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TOMORROW December 24th is:

National Eggnog Day; Christmas Eve.

No eggnog for me! And I am going to Kathy’s after church for a late supper. My job is to take the shrimp ring! Already purchased and tucked in the freezer – I will defrost it after church… Have a blessed celebration! God bless..

Again, no post today. I had a full day. Mostly challenges but all is well at the end of the day. It’s 11:15pm and time for bed. I’ll catch up tomorrow!

TOMORROW December 23rd is:

National Roots Day; Festivus Day; National Pfeffernusse Day (It’s a cookie!)

Enjoy – only a few more sleeps until Christmas! God bless…

It’s 5:20 and it’s dark. BUT starting tomorrow the days get a little longer every day! Summer’s coming!

I started the day with an appointment in Jeannette with my cousin Paul. There were a few other things to do down there. The guys all got together and gave me the loveliest card! It’s one I’ll keep… Also a gift card and as usual Ken gave me a bag of Brookside dark chocolate covered pomegranates! Yum! It’s a splurge I don’t indulge in on my own!

There were a few things in Greensburg, as well, plus I hung around and talked to Ken for a few minutes. then I zipped over to pick up Shannon and get her to Norwin Square for her shot. It was a little longer than she expected but went well. On the way home I stopped at WOW outlet – all their Christmas merchandise is on sale at least 50% off. I spent $1.06!

On the way home I snapped a photo of the courthouse and a church with a red door. The wreaths made it look so festive!

It was after 3pm when I got home so I grabbed a bowl of soup and organized things. 3/4 of the lights on my Williamsburg tree were out so I un-strung them and put new ones on. It was so much harder when it was fully decorated and it doesn’t look as even as it was originally but it is much better lit than burnt out!

Tomorrow I believe Autmn and Cameron are coming up and I’m cooking my little piece of ham. And hopefully making fudge. We’ll see what the day brings!

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TOMORROW December 22nd is:

National Date Nut bread Day; Forefathers’ Day.

Counting down to Christmas! Hope you’re done shopping. Have a great weekend. God bless.

I took my time doing chores today — cleaning, laundry, small clean-ups. I had a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup for lunch. I hate to say that that’s the most of what I did today.

BUT – I was doing laundry and my drains started acting up again. The floor drain was surging a bit but thankfully didn’t come near to the top, or overflow. The downstairs toilet was bubbling and gurgling worse than before the plumber came out to clean the drains. I paid a good amount of money to have those drains handled and am certainly distressed that it is acting up. I called the company (I have a 60 day guarantee) and they scheduled me for next Tuesday. I can only hope that it doesn’t get worse or over-flow before then. Thankfully our family Christmas is the 28th!

I txt Autmn and told her to send me a picture of Cameron just to cheer me up! So even though you get overload on the Cameron pics here is another one!

Tomorrow I have a full schedule but Friday Autmn and Cameron are spending the day. I’ll just hang in there until then!

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TOMORROW December 21st is:

National Maine Day; National Flashlight day; National French Fried Shrimp Day; Anne & Samantha Day (Day of Summer & Winter Solstice); Yule – Day of Winter Solstice; Winter Solstice; Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day; National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day.

Lots to celebrate – but most of it centers around Winter Solstice — shortest daylight day of the year. Plan something fun to do in the dark – maybe eat shrimp in Maine? With a flashlight? God bless…

Last night with baby Cameron went so well — too well, in fact! He slept most of the time he was here. But we had almost an hour while he was awake. He had a bottle, got a clean diaper, and then he laid on the floor the rest of the time. He loves to kick against things, so I slid him close enough to the couch so he could kick and push. I held his little musical hand toy, and it flashes lights and plays music and talks to him. He loves it! His eyes get wide and bright and he kicks and waves his little arms! It was a fun time.

After the kids left, I watched the CMA Country Christmas special. It was refreshing that most of the songs were traditional Christmas Carols. There were a few that weren’t – like ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Beer for Santa’. The performers were great. I have always loved Lady A, and of course Amy Grant (co-host with Trisha Yearwood), and Lainey Wilson. Great addition to the holiday celebrations! I also put my cell phone shelf up – all by myself!

Went to bed last night with a coating of snow everywhere. Woke up to the same. Neither store had anything pressing, so I stayed put and cleaned off the driveway, walk and porch. I was just finishing up when Nate called to see if I could go pick up Chris at school at 11am. Sherree wasn’t comfortable driving. The roads were all clear and dry so of course I agreed.

I picked her up, stopped so she could get food at Wendy’s, then dropped her off at home. She was struggling with something and feeling a little down so we took some time to talk. Not sure if it solved her issue but maybe she’ll be able to get through it better.

My chores for this afternoon were to make chocolate drizzled popcorn – it turned out ok but I think I used the wrong popcorn. I bought corn puffs and should have bought hull-less popcorn. In the meantime I can eat it (no problem there!) and I’ll try again after Christmas.

I had a friend stop over to help me with something concerning the house, and when he left I made stuffed pepper soup. Of course the first thing I did was splash a few spots of tomato sauce on my white sweatshirt! I scrubbed it right away and got it out. Whew. I just had a bowl for lunch (I know – it’s 3pm! Running a bit behind) but it was very good. Best I’ve made in a while!

I’m listening to CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY in the background. It’s definitely a movie worth watching!

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TOMORROW December 20th is:

Go Caroling Day; National Sangria Day; Mudd Day; International Human Solidarity Day.

I may not leave the house but guaranteed I will sing! I have Christmas CD’s on all the time! Sing – and God bless…

I am watching Cameron for a bit, and I don’t think I’ll have time to get organized and post anything this evening.

So I’ll catch up tomorrow! Stay safe!

TOMORROW December 19th is:

National Oatmeal Muffin Day; National Hard Candy Day.

God bless!

Today was the last Sunday School class until January 7th – so we finished up with the Wise Kings, did a nativity craft, had red velvet cupcakes and DQ ice cream for Max’s birthday, and gave the kids their Christmas stocking. I was disappointed that Cody and Jackson were not there for Sunday School – but I saw their mother after church and gave her their treats. Grace and Max were there – and Max was listening to the lesson while eating a cookie!

We got new tables and chairs in the Welcome Center, and a few new decorations.

Todd’s message was very good – The Peace of Christmas. It basically dealt with being too busy, stressed, distracted during the holiday season. PEACE is the gift of life as it was meant to be. We need to remember that more stuff, more work, and more life does not give us peace. ‘Hurry’ and ‘Love’ are incompatible, as are ‘Hurry’ and ‘Peace’.

I came home from church and made a smaller batch of potato soup – I used the rest of the potatoes and then had a bowl for lunch. After I post this I plan to dig out an old black and white Christmas classic movie and watch that, then pay some bills. Sarah posted pictures of the Word of Life Christmas program – Millie is in front, right – at the mic!!!

SO … Yesterday’s Christmas party! We arrived at Colleen’s at about 2 minutes until 2pm. Her house is so delightful. It’s a classic farmhouse that is exquisite! The holiday decorations are perfection and entirely suitable for the home. It takes her a week to switch out all her everyday décor and transform the house into CHRISTMAS. Here are a few pictures of her house.

All ten of us gathered with food and hugs and stories and laughter, taking pictures and eating and visiting. It was a wonderful day; balm for the soul and spirit. We have a way of lifting each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joy and concerns, and reminiscing. I don’t know how we would get through life without each other.

Colleen’s granddaughter Aleah makes jewelry, using resin and molds and paints, and she brought four trays down for us to look at. Most of us bought something – I bought two pair of earrings, snowflakes and stars. Such a great job!

Traditionally I will write and then read out loud a story – mostly about growing up together, Skunk Hollow, HOME, evoking memories. This year it was a fictional Christmas story about our parents growing up.

And it was a special treat to have Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan join us for dinner – lasagna, salad, garlic toast, Uncle Clifford’s homemade apple sauce, broccoli casserole, and Jello-pretzel salad. And I can’t begin to share the snacks we had – but my two favorites were the hullless buttered popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and buffalo chicken dip and chips. It goes on and on from there. And of course, M&M’s!

When I say our lives are enriched and blessed by our relationships and friendships it is not an exaggeration. We love and support each other in every way, through good times and bad, and I’m honored and humbled to have each and every one of them in my life. Merry Christmas, cousins!

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TOMORROW December 18th is:

World Arabic Language Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day (PLEASE don’t tell Jen!!!); International Migrants Day; Answer the Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (“Buddy the Elf; what’s your favorite color?”)

That would be a fun thing – to catch people off guard when you answer your phone! Have a good time and a great day. God bless…

Today was such a fun day! Everyone – all 10 of us – were there, plus Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. I will expound on our adventures tomorrow – but for today I’ll just post a few pictures and head to bed. It’s after 10pm and I’m getting tired. And I need the pictures that Beth took, which she’ll probably send tomorrow.

When I climbed into bed last night I looked at the lights reflecting on my window and decided to share. The panes reflect multiple images and it’s cool. Also, while I was waiting for my rice bag to heat, I noticed the reindeer antlers at my neighbor’s house. That is one HUGE reindeer!

As usual, I changed and washed the bed sheets. I don’t know what it is about my dryer, but almost every week the sheets come out rolled like a sausage! I don’t think that is supposed to happen.

I’ll fast forward to Smicksburg – Kathy and I stopped at Donna’s store to get cheese. I wanted to get a thank you for Sir Rege for handling my car yesterday and he loves cheese. Two little Amish boys came into the store and bought a two liter of Pepsi — with a baggie full of quarters and dimes. Then they walked up across the mowed corn fields toward home.

So that’s it for today – and I’ll do the Skunk Hollow Christmas Event tomorrow!

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TOMORROW December 17th is:

National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brothers Day.

You’d think Maple Syrup Day would be more in line with a sap harvest. Oh, well. Enjoy your Sunday! God bless…