I’ll start the post with today. Sunday School we started a new series with Max Lucado. As Max is a terrific story teller he makes Jesus come alive through the scriptures. During church time I was helper in Junior Church. That went well – and actually I just have to be there – no teaching involved!

I stopped on the way home at Shop and Save – and this time I did find the Coke that was on sale. I got Diet for myself and regular for Jen and Autmn. I did the chores on my list and am caught up right now.

Yesterday’s Skunk Hollow Spring Event went very well. We missed having Connie and Karen V with us – they were both committed to family functions. We’ll look forward to the next event! Autmn and Cameron stopped really quick just before everyone was to arrive. They were leaving as Colleen, Gwen, Kathy, and Gail came. They were all excited to have a quick visit.

Holly and Gwen

Gail, Colleen, Kathy

Getting everyone’s attention (not always easy!)

Me reading the story

Gwen – is she meditating??? 🙂

Karen (comes the farthest) and Gail (our ‘senior’ cousin!)

Colleen (lives on a farm with COWS!) and Kathy – lives the closest

Holly deep in thought! – Works at IUP

A few minutes later Beth, Holly and Karen O arrived. Everyone always brings the best food! We had egg salad, chicken salad, and chipped ham for sandwiches, with lettuce and tomatoes. Also cheeses, pepperoni, and crackers. Colleen brought macaroni salad, Kathy brought veggie pizza. Beth brought the Hawaiian rolls and the mini rolls.

Main food.

Gail brought a beautiful cake – with purple icing flowers! Karen (coming from Mt. Joy, PA) always brings the chips and snacks. We sure had plenty of that! Holly made her delicious brownies. We snacked all afternoon!

beautiful (and yummy) cake

Snacks – but we had a fruit tray too.

Drinks and plates, etc.

I made the girls coasters and they seemed interested in my little craft project. It’s no secret that crafting is not my strong point. So I was glad they were a success. I also received a few ‘thanks for hosting’ gifts – 4 Snoopy tea towels, a purple checkbook cover with a beautiful scripture verse, and a coaster! Who would guess that I like coasters! 🙂 Thanks to the girls for their thoughtfulness.

Beth, Gwen, Me, Gail, Karen V, Holly, Karen O, Colleen, Connie, Kathy.

There is never a lack of conversation and we cover whatever topics pop into our heads. I always have a story or essay that I have written, usually very applicable to our family or our ‘stage of life’ issues. We took a short break and played an USA trivia card game I found at Hanna’s Town’s gift shop. It was a lot of fun – You’d be surprised how much we don’t know – or at least forgot that we DID know! Lots of laughing and lots of fun.

Do you know what our national flower is???

One group had to leave at 3pm, as Colleen’s grandson and his wife were having a gender reveal party – it’s a boy! Congrats to Ethan and Courtney! Beth, Holly and Karen stayed later, and it was a quieter time to just chat and share stories. We always hate to see the end of the day. The girls helped me clean up and we made short work of getting things back to order!

The group… back row – Kath, Beth, Colleen, Gwen, Me; front row: Holly and Gail

Same – but I’m taking photo and Kathy is on the end (back row)

Thanks to everyone who came for sharing in the day – making it fun, and making memories.

QUOTE for the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 20th is:

Boston Marathon Day; National Cheddar Fries Day; National Lima Bean Respect Day; National Look-Alike Day; National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day; National Volunteer Recognition Day; Patriot’s Day; Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day; World Orphans Day.

Tomorrow is also the day that book 6 of the Music Shop book comes out. I’m excited to finish the series! I love Boston but wouldn’t run the marathon – I’d walk around and enjoy the history! Cheddar fries are fun – I’ve never really had much respect for Lima Beans (sorry). Volunteers SHOULD be recognized! They are the backbone of so many worthy organizations! I DO appreciate pizza delivery drivers! God bless…

MOVIE from 2017:

This is a totally cute movie – I really like Merritt Patterson!

On this day in History:

It was a busy day. Kathy and I were out the door by 8am to go to their church. We were helping set up for their rummage sale. They sure had a lot of items. I got a brand new 6 muffin baking tin, a purple handled paring knife, and a gravy shaker from Tupper. We spent a few hours bagging cookies and baked goods. Everything looked so good! It was hard to resist buying several but I refrained.

River Hill church

I came home and started into the day. I was having trouble with a few things relating to my new iPhone – so I went over to T-Mobile. I thought he straightened it all out but find I’m still dealing with them. It was hard to be patient and polite.

When I got back I made a big batch of Cream of Potato soup. That’s just for meals, not for tomorrow. Then I did egg salad, chicken salad, iced tea, and washed the grapes.

Food projects.

I cleaned up the kitchen, then got everything I needed out of the garage organized. I’ll bring them in the house in the morning along with some lawn chairs and the tables.

Trying to get organized.

I saw online that Dollar General was supposed to have kids’ garden tools (not plastic) so I went down there. I got Cameron a shovel, a hoe, and a rake, plus a little wagon. I’m scheduled to watch him on Tuesday so if the weather is ok we’ll dig in the dirt!

I still have some ironing to do so that’s it for today. Don’t be alarmed if I do not post tomorrow. I’ll catch up Sunday.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 18th is:

Adult Autism Awareness Day; Healthy Kids day; Husband Appreciation Day; International Amateur Radio Day; International Jugglers Day; National Animal Crackers Day; National Exercise Day; National Pinata Day; Record Store Day; World Heritage day.

Tomorrow is also Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest day at my house. It will be a fabulous day! If you have a husband you should appreciation him. I haven’t been in a record store for years. God bless…

MOVIE from 2016:

On this day in History:

Thought to share from Diane:

Work was light – today was Rege’s birthday so I left a few cookies and a birthday card on his desk. He was at the Pirate game. Since I had time, I went to the Driver’s License Center and got my photo taken. It was pretty crowded but the process moved fast, so I had time to pop into the Dollar Tree next door.

After picking up some things from Diane, I grabbed a Frozen Coke, had a half a sandwich at home, and was just finishing when Jamie came. He put the last pot light above the bookcase. It really made that corner bright. It made a big difference to the whole room.

Once he finished that (which only took a few minutes) we went up to check the exhaust fan in the bathroom. He popped over and picked up a new one at Lowe’s. But getting the old one out made a complete mess – there was insulation clumps all over the bathroom! But the new one is installed and working so all is well. It did take a while to get the mess cleaned up.

Phase one mess!

Yuck…

New exhaust

All cleaned up.

My next chores were to weed whack the hill and bottom yard and cut the grass. I’m hoping it stays nice looking through Saturday. And that was my day!

Grass done.

Raindrops…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 17th is:

2A Day; Ford Mustang Day; World Circus Day; Second Amendment Day; Herbalist Day; National Cheeseball Day; National Clean Out your Medicine Cabinet Day; National Crawfish Day; National Kickball Day; National Haiku Poetry Day; National Ellis Island Family History Day.

Circus! If you don’t know about Dan Rice and his circus look him up. It’s very interesting history! God bless….

MOVIE from 2015: (Two today)

Of course I have the DVD…

…. and this one, too.

On this day in history: In 1922 Annie Oakley sets the woman’s shooting record breaking 100 clay targets in a row. She was my idol when I was young!

Income Tax filing day! So glad mine is filed and I have my refund all tucked away. Today was – of course – cleaning day. I did a little extra in anticipation for the weekend. About 3pm I got a txt message from my friend (actually Nathan’s friend and electrician) Jamie – he’s coming tomorrow at 1pm to install the last pot light by the bookcase, and look at my bathroom exhaust fan, which doesn’t work.

So once I realized he’d be here for a while in the afternoon, I finished cleaning and went over to do my grocery shopping. So that’s done. I’ll have to make some food on Friday evening so I’m ready for Saturday. Tomorrow early evening I hope to cut the grass. Depends on the weather.

I finally picked up an extra table – long over due! (Kelly we can use this at the Flax festival!)

Gen called just as I walked in from grocery shopping. It’s always a blessing to hear from her. It’s nice to catch up!

Gen – Archive photo

Once the groceries were put away, I did a flower walk around the yard to see what is trying to bloom. Below are pictures.

Still blooming.

Bleeding heart about twice the size it was.

Primrose #1

Primrose #2 – they crow in a circle.

Chocolate Mint – beautiful!

Azalea in the back

Quince

Bridal blooms up close

Purple Azalea by front deck

Pink Azalea by the walk

Red Azalea

The other Azalea is just in bud.

Light pink down by the shed.

QUOTE of the DAY:

For my gardening friends!

PEANUTS?

Maybe….

TOMORROW April 16th is:

Day of the Mushroom; International Pizza Cake Day; National Bean Counter Day; National Eggs Benedict Day; National High Five Day; National Librarian Day; National Orchid Day; National Pathway Day; National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day; Save the Elephant Day; World Semicolon Day; World Voice Day; National Get to Know your Customers Day.

You’d probably get to know your customer if you wore your PJ’s to work! What is Pizza cake? God bless…

MOVIE from 2014:

This is a HUGE favorite of Hallmark fans. I like it but it’s not my favorite.

On this day in history:1955 Ray Kroc opens the first McDonald’s Inc. fast food restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois (and the world changed forever!)

The day went a little off track today from what I thought would happen but it was all good. I just didn’t take too many photos. The first thing is, though, that I mentioned changing the bedspread on the trundle bed in the Flag room and didn’t post a photo. So – here it is! It makes the room look brighter. This is the blanket Kelly made for me many years ago. I think it looks super nice!

Work was ok – except there were two issues that needed resolved before I could process. Got that handled and turned out fine. I left there and went to my dentist appointment. I am not a fan of dental appointments, but I recognize the importance. I am not exaggerating when I say the hygienist took about two dozen (or more) X-rays of my teeth!

This tooth looks happier than I was….

Just as I was leaving the dentist, Noah called to see if I could watch Cameron just for about an hour or so while he went Door Dashing. Autmn works on Tuesday. I said I could handle that much! So we dug in the dirt behind the shed, then came up on the deck and played in a bucket of water! But his favorite thing was blowing on the white Dandelion puffs. He laughed and laughed – so fun to watch his face light up!

My new bedskirt came yesterday, so after Cameron and Noah left I fluffed it in the dryer, pressed it off, and managed to get it on the bed (between the mattress and springs). It was tricky but I managed. I’ve always had a white one so this purple one is a big change.

SO now I am waiting on my cousin to pop in – he has title work he needs done. So I had a little bit of everything today and nothing over whelming!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Yes…..

TOMORROW April 15th is:

McDonald’s Day; National Anime Day; National Banana Day; National Glazed Spiral Ham Day; National Laundry Day; National Rubber Eraser Day; National Tax Day; National Titanic Remembrance Day; One Boston Day; Purple Up! Day; World Art Day; National Take a Wild Guess Day; National ASL Day.

My sister would celebrate ASL day – A LOT of people will probably be a McDonald’s tomorrow. I do laundry several days a week. My taxes are already done. Purple Up! day is for military children. Autmn’s sister Penny will celebrate Anime day – she’s a great artist and fan! God bless!

MOVIE from 2013:

This is absolutely a favorite! It was Paul Campbell’s first movie – made me a forever fan!

On this day in History:

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was tragically assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., just days after the end of the Civil War.

Full day for the start of the week. Threw a load of laundry in first thing, then after breakfast I stopped at Hepler’s Hardware on the way to my chiropractor appointment – I was out of weed-whacker string. I promised Claudia I would take the clean/pressed linens to Hanna’s Town so she could sort them out, then got gas in the Ford before my final stop – Giant Eagle to pick up a prescription.

My morning visitor – at least it wasn’t a skunk!

After lunch I put up three hooks (that I got at Heplers) so I could hang up my garden clothes in the garage. They don’t match and they aren’t cute but they are perfect for the job!

Since I got my melting chocolate in Smicksburg on Saturday I decided to do a few chocolate covered cookies. Believe it or not, I had finished up everything that I had made the last few months except for the dark chocolate covered mint Oreos – they are still in the freezer. I gave some away at Easter.

By then it was time to go outside. I changed clothes (see above!) and went down to the shed. I pulled weeds and dug out clumps around all four sides.

Far side of the shed – all cleaned up but now I need fresh mulch.

Behind the shed.

Front.

Yard side.

Then I cleaned out among the stones around the Crooks lilac – the one Allen and Bonnie gave Kathy and me when Mom passed away.

Snoopy standing guard.

I’m still struggling with the stump where the cherry tree was – it’s almost ready for a top soil dump and grass seed. But it was full of weeds that I couldn’t get close enough to mow so it was a mess. All cleaned up!

It almost looks like a crater on the moon…

I have a movie on in the background (THE REAL WEST) while I type. I’m almost done with book 5 in my 6-book series. Book six will be out on the April 20th.

TODAY I am thankful for time to think and ponder things!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 14th is:

National Reach as High as you Can Day; Perfume Day; Air Force Reserves Day; Identify Management Day; International Moment of Laughter Day; National Donate A Book Day; National Dolphin Day; National Ex-Spouse Day; National Gardening Day; National Pecan Day; Puffin Day; National Pan American Day; National Look up in the Sky Day.

Laughter is the best medicine! No thoughts for ex- spouse… I’m all for celebrating gardens! And as for the puffin – anyone out there remember Mrs. Ticklefeather? God bless….

MOVIE from 2012:

This was a really sweet movie – I even bought the DVD!

On this date in History:

Sunday School was our last lesson of this series on Revelation. I really enjoyed it. We all learned a lot and have a new concept of the rapture, heaven, Bible history…. Thanks, Shane Wood, for these video lessons.

I had to pop home a little early from Church. Autmn txt me early and needed some help with a few things. Noah was working and she had 2 birthday parties to attend and was on a schedule. I was glad I could help a little. I’ll pick up what I missed of Todd’s message later on live stream. Cameron was funny and busy – so I got him to help me. He unwound 3 spools of thread all over the spare bedroom, helped run the sweeper, helped put the sewing machine away, and picked up his farm block set. Also helped me eat the cookies!

He loves to have his picture taken!

They left for his little friend’s birthday party; then they planned to go straight to JoJo’s party (Autmn’s youngest sister). I had lunch, then rewrote my grocery list and updated my plans for Saturday. Ordered my Over the Counter Highmark products for second quarter, packed the tea linens to take to Claudia tomorrow, changed the bedspread for the bed in the flag room, made a master list of interesting places to visit in Gettysburg and forwarded them to Kelly and Kathy, then washed the car.

Also cleaned up a small flower bed and walked around to get some flower photos.

The flower bed I just weeded – more myrtle.

Primrose.

A cutting that I propagated from my main bridal bush.

Solomon’s Seal just starting to bud.

I also took time to clean out my pantry – today is National Clean out your Pantry day – so I did!

So I think that will be mostly it, aside from maybe a few small things. As usual, I have my farm family video playing in the background.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 13th is:

International Plant Appreciation Day; International Special Librarians Day; National Make Lunch Count Day; National Peach Cobbler Day; National Scrabble Day; National Silly Earring Day; National Thomas Jefferson Day.

I appreciate plants – especially in my yard! Haven’t played scrabble since Kathy and I were in Williamsburg several years ago (she won). I love silly earrings – and Thomas Jefferson is worth celebrating. God Bless…

Movie from 2011:

I love Jane Eyre and have 2 different DVD’s of the movie – but I never saw this one.

ON this day in History: 1861 Fort Sumter in South Carolina is attacked by the Confederacy, beginning the American Civil War.

My day consisted of a variety of chores. I changed my bed sheets and washed them and remade the bed. I still had last night’s laundry to press off, so I did that and put all the clean and ironed clothes away. I also balanced my checkbook – to the penny. Unfortunately it took two tries but it’s all good.

It was about time to make a trip down to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique so I did that. Didn’t really find anything too interesting – but did get a jar of spring honey (which I like better than fall). I did get a ceramic coaster that matches the framed painting in my kitchen.

The coaster on the table is an exact match of the picture.

After a banana and half a dozen pizza bites for lunch I went outside. I was torn between pulling weeds or cutting the grass. The grass won out. I weed whacked first, including along the boards lining my driveway. My neighbor Ryan cut their yard but didn’t weed whack – and technically since the logs are mine I feel responsible if they don’t trim. Looks much better!

Front yard mowed.

SO much neater.

Even the hill looks under control, but if you really look closely it isn’t!

And the Bleeding Heart is blooming, despite getting a strong hit from the frost a few weeks ago.

I set out ground beef to thaw and plan to make a meatloaf tomorrow afternoon for supper.

archive photo

TODAY I am thankful for fresh cut grass!

QUOTE for the DAY:

Peanuts?

Tomorrow April 12th is:

Wear a Star Day; National Only Child Day; National Colorado Day; National Record Store Day; National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; National Licorice Day; National Big Wind Day; Good Deeds Day; Hamster Day; Pretzel Sunday; Walk on the Wild Side Day.

I might wear a star tomorrow. I like stars! It’s always nice to do a good deed. I’m currently out of pretzels. God bless…

Country song from 2010:

Always reminded me of Grama Crooks’ house.

On this day in History:1970 Apollo 13 launched to Moon; unable to land, returns in 6 days.

Early morning – for me. I did the quick drain treatment before leaving the house. Picked up Kath at 8:45am and we headed to Smicksburg. Of course we stopped part way and got iced coffee (her) and frozen Coke (me).

So many memories! We spent the trip out catching up – both emotionally and activity wise. Our first stop was – as always! – Donna’s store. There are always so many wonderful items to see and — purchase! I just got cheese and a small snack bag of chips to have with my lunch. There was a bird’s nest in the old gas pump near the parking lot!

Bird nest in top left inside.

We made a quick stop at the Amish Bulk Food store for my melting chocolate. This horse did not seem very enthralled by being there. I got a pound of milk chocolate and 2 pounds of dark.

Sadly there are not many stores left out there these days. We went in the re-purpose store and found that they are closing at the end of April. Sad. Kath and I both got a little ornament. Of course mine is a cow!

Purple Cow.

Scary looking dragon outside the Re-purpose shop.

The next stop was The Country Cupboard – I got Diane her requested piece of fudge and a cow cookie cutter for me.

Cookie cutter

Llama outside the Country Cupboard.

My favorite store is The Shop at Smicksburg. I got a coaster and Kath got a God Bless America ornament.

When we left there we drove down to the park at the end of town. It was lunch time and we enjoyed the view of the woods – and a cluster of daffodils in the trees. It was a nice break.

views for lunch

Clump of Daffidills

The park was a nice size.

We got a little adventurous and went the other way out of Smicksburg and found McCormick Road – which we knew would end up at the McCormick Mansion. John McCormick invented the Water Turbine – the mansion is also tied to the underground railroad and is said to have been lived in at one time by a relative of Jimmy Stewart. We were in there once when we were very young – it’s still fun to drive past.

It would be fun to live here – I want the bedroom in the tower!

Our plan was to pop in and say hello to Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford – but alas. They were not home. So we got a drink out of the spring (beautiful clear water!) and took a picture of the corner stone with the skunks.

Drive by Amish!

Skunk friends.

Clear fresh water from the spring.

This is a long post! We decided to drive past Old Mahoning Church, and then walk up to the cabin. What a mess it is. So glad that Eric is going to be able to make use of the land. Even in its current state it brought back fun memories!

First view

Not much left.

Heading home, we drove past Grama Crooks’ house – and the springhouse. There were a ton of sheep in the fields at the end of Crooks Road! Some babies, too! So it was a lovely day and a fun trip – and we do appreciate the time we can spend together! Love you, Sis!

Former Crooks homestead

Springhouse

Sheep

Mommies and babies

The last landmark was the cow on the pole at the farm near the turn from Rt 210 onto Rt 85.

TODAY I am thankful for a trip out HOME with my favorite sister!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 11th is:

Dog Therapy Appreciation Day; National Catch and Release Day; National Cheese Fondue Day; National Clean up Your Pantry Day; National Eight Track Tape Day; National Pet Day; National Ranch Water Day; National Submarine Day; Slow Art Day; World Parkinson’s Day.

Not ready to mess with my pantry right now. I have some 8 track tapes but no player! What good is that? My dear friend Bill Smail had Parkinson’s – really still miss him! God bless…

MOVIE from 2009:

Veggie Tales are the BEST!

ON this day in History: 1912 RMS Titanic sets sail from Southampton for her maiden (and final) voyage

There were several things to do at work – all three guys were there. Sir Rege is still not himself – a little vertigo. That’s hard to navigate. I left work and stopped to help Mike P with a deal and a title, then made two stops on the way home. I popped into Hanna’s Town gift shop as they had something on hold for me. Then went to Craftique Corner to get candle bulbs for my night lights. They have some really cute crafts there.

Hanna’s Town has the new fort walls completely rebuilt. It looks amazing!

I heated up a piece of leftover pizza for lunch, then changed into yard clothes and went outside. I was out for several hours and accomplished a lot. Still have a lot to go but it’s looking nice. If it doesn’t rain I will work on a few other beds tomorrow.

Violets are one of my favorites!

In front of front deck.

Dug out all the weeds and grass clumps under the back deck.

Under the cement angel bench.

A few red Azalea buds coming on.

The pink ones are a little more developed.

Cleaned up around the lilacs

Between walk and house.

Top of steps – needs help!

TODAY I am thankful for weeded gardens!

Especially with myrtle blooming!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 10th is:

Day of Silence; International Kids’ Yoga Day; International Safety Pin Day (?); National Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Encourage a Young Writer Day; National Erase Self-Negativity Day; National Farm Animals Day; National Golfer’s Day; National Hug your Dog Day; National Siblings Day.

I’ve never really been totally into safety pins. I love to encourage young writers and have done that for several. Cameron LOVES farm animals. No sports, please. And I love my sibling! God bless…

Top country song from 2008:

Oh, dear. This brings back crazy memories! I do like this song, though.

On this day in History: