Kelly called late last night, and her and Chase came up this morning and are staying until Wednesday at noon. So there will be no more official Word Garden posts until Wednesday evening!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 4th is:

National Create a Vacuum Day; Facebook Birthday; Willie Mays Day; Liberace Day; National Hemp Day (Yea, Hempfield!); National Homemade Soup Day; National Stuffed Mushroom Day; National Thank a Mail Carrier Day; National Wicker Day; Sweater Day; World Cancer Day.

Kelly and I are making homemade chicken soup tomorrow, and banana bread. I appreciate my mail carrier! Have a happy day – see you all Wednesday, and God Bless,…

Woke up this morning to the fact that our little Punxy Phil saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter! I’m thinking there’s not much chance we’ll finish up winter any worse than the way it began – sub-freezing temps, snow, and wind. Snuggle up, Phil!

PS – today would have been my cousin Danny’s birthday. Miss you ‘my only son!’ (inside joke — he WAS my cousin!)

Todd’s message this morning was continuing the series on The Church. We have confused the church by enforcing man-made expectations rather than what God has given us. We create our own version of what we want the church to be. It’s not about how we dress, what we eat (or are forbidden to eat) nor about the 613 laws that the early Jews had to learn and follow. We can’t do it! It’s the grace of God that saves. Don’t make it difficult for people to turn to God. Favor Grace over the Law.

I came home and had some carrots for lunch, then read a few chapters in my current book. It was made into a movie but I didn’t see it. Another book that the author wrote – The Charm Bracelet – was a Hallmark movie, and I did see – and very much enjoyed – that one.

I have also discovered and have been enjoying a YouTube series called The History Traveler (or History Underground). JD takes us on adventures all over the country to explore the history of battles, homes, people, and cemeteries (his favorite). I’ve watched several dozen already. I even used one of his videos for my Presidential research!

Gen messaged me that the very bright star that I saw last night beside the moon was actually Venus! The picture didn’t do it justice – it was super bright in person.

I am actually going to finally do the ironing tonight! I kept putting it off but now I’ll actually do it.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS??

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

American Painters Day; Doggy Date Night; Elmo’s Birthday; Feed the Birds Day; National Carrot Cake Day; National Golden Retrievers Day; National Missing Persons Day; National Wedding Ring Day; Take a Cruise Day; The Day the Music Died.

We used to take carrot cake to Mom’s every time we went up. They loved it and so did we! There are a lot of people that I miss, but I don’t think that’s what they mean. I just came across my Mom’s wedding rings when I was cleaning this week. I’m pretty sure I would get seasick on a cruise. God bless…

Here we are, February 2025. Tomorrow that little rodent will tell us when we can expect spring, if you can believe that! I think today was very chilly compared to yesterday, despite the fog and rain and thunder.

I just putsied around the house this morning, starting with the wooden Snoopy calendar. Then I did some cleaning and sorting and some research and typing on my Presidential pick for Kathy’s luncheon. Just when I think I’ve finished I find something else interesting.

Kelly updated me on her sister in law. Kim slipped on some ice about a week ago, and although they did run tests at the time she ended up back in the ER. She’s had a rough go with various illnesses and I know this is a difficult time for her and her husband Greg. Please keep them in your prayers.

I also was working on some fun things to keep Millie busy on their upcoming trip to Mt. Vernon. Not sure if she’ll even want to do them, but I was inspired. I had fun doing it.

Then I cleaned out the closet in the family room. I didn’t take the books out, as I just went through them recently and don’t feel like I’m ready to part with them anyway. They are writing research books on the art of writing and also research on different historic time periods.

I reorganized everything and put it all back. Again, I just went through that stuff last summer so I didn’t have to get rid of anything. I just made it easier for Cameron to get to what he will enjoy playing with, and what’s safe for him.

Next, I will have a piece of meatloaf for supper. I had a salad for lunch. I just went up for the mail and noticed the sliver of moon out with one single visible star.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 2nd is:

British Yorkshire Pudding Day; California Kiwifruit Day; Candlemas Day; Crepe Day; Groundhog Day; National Brown Dog Day; National Catchers Day; National River Day; National Tater Tot Day; National Ukulele Day; Scout Sunday; Sled Dog Day.

I’m sure that groundhog will get plenty of attention. I like tater tots, and sled dogs are cool! Have a happy Sunday. God bless…

First of all, a big happy birthday to my friend Gen’s older son Christopher! Hoping your day was wonderful and full of love and fun, Chris!

It was rainy and foggy all day. In fact about lunch time we had a bunch of wild thunder! I saw a few streaks of lightening, as well. I turned on the deck lights just to add a little encouragement to the dismal atmosphere.

An email came through this afternoon that my friend from church’s sister Judy passed away today. Dianne has been her caregiver for all of her adult life and this will be difficult for Dianne and her family. Praying for all of them – but Judy is singing in the heavenly realms and is whole and well.

I did some research and lots of phone calls about a title disaster I have been dealing with between New York and PA. I was on the phone almost three hours. Hoping we are moving in the right direction. The ball is in their court – which is very scary.

I also did my due diligence on the research for Kathy’s President’s day luncheon. I chose my president and picked out some interesting facts. Now I just have to type them up.

Rege called and asked me to do a favor for Pinnacle – so I buzzed down there and handled a title for them. Then I went on down to Irwin and got a new jar of honey so I’m all set.

Autmn send me a morning picture of Cameron. They had pancakes and chocolate milk and were watching the movie Ratatouille. Looks like Cameron is totally comfortable and into the show! I miss seeing them both!

Haul out the Holly is the Christmas Movie on Hallmark tonight so I am watching that again – have already seen it DOZENS of times! It’s keeping me company.

Not a scripture, but encouragement:

PEANUTS ??

TOMORROW February 1st is:

Take your Child to the Library Day; National Play Outside Day; National Dark Chocolate Day; Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; Abolition of Slavery Day; Car Insurance Day; Change Your Password Day; Decorate with Candy Day; G.I. Joe Day; Heroes’ Day; Holiday Hugs Day; National Baked Alaska Day; National Freedom Day; National Get Up Day.

My Aunt Joan used to make Baked Alaska – always fascinated me! I love dark chocolate, and ice cream for breakfast sounds divine. Go ahead, play outside. God bless…

Not much to post today, so I’ll skim through it and hope for more exciting content for tomorrow. I worked a few hours in Jeannette, picked up some groceries at Aldi and Walmart, and came home to do a few cleanup and organizing projects. Nate came over and helped me flip my mattress, but there’s nothing to take pictures of. It looks exactly the same. So time for supper.

Today would have been Bill Smail’s birthday.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 31st is:

Appreciate your Social Security Check Day; Backwards Day; Eat Brussel Sprouts Day; Gorilla Suit Day; Hug an Economist Day; Inspire Your Heart with Art Day; International Zebra Day; National Big Wig Day; Scotch Tape Day; National Fun at Work Day.

I often have fun a work, and always appreciate my social security check! I’m sure I have plenty of backwards days. Embrace your scotch tape! God bless —

I had a waffle for breakfast then got to cleaning upstairs. I just finished about 10 minutes before Paul dropped Kathy off. She looked through the bags and boxes I had so she knew what all I was sending to their church sale. I helped carry the stuff out when Paul got back from his appointment.

Kath and I had a nice visit – fun chatting and watching a HGTV fixer-upper show. It always seems like I think of so many other things to say after she leaves! But then I finished cleaning and did some laundry. I will have a little bowl of my soup after I finish this post.

The sky had some beautiful pink and yellow clouds this afternoon! And the sky was so bright. But that’s the extent of my day, so more tomorrow.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 30th is:

NASA’s Day of Remembrance; National Croissant Day; National Draw a Dinosaur Day; National Escape day; Yodel for your Neighbors Day; National Storytelling Week.

I’ll escape if it can be a vacation! No yodeling. But I’m pretty fair at telling stories! God bless…

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!

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.

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!

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…

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!

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

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.

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!

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…

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.

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.

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.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS ?

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….

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.

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.

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

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

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…