The weather really took a dive. It was sunny, still, but breezy and chilly. I did go outside long enough to put up the St. Patrick’s day garden flags but didn’t stay out. Right now the sky is pink, which bodes well for tomorrow!

One of four.

Pink sky and almost full moon (The 3rd…)

Sunday School was still in Revelation – and we talked about the symbolism. For sure there is a LOT of that in Revelation! Todd’s message was the final from the Sermon on the Mount. It was about the two men who built houses – one on the sand and on on the rock. You can just picture what happened when the storms came. Foundation is critical. To build a solid house you need a firm foundation. You have to move beyond KNOWING, and DO the right thing. Don’t just know the book ( Bible ) but know the Author (Jesus)! WE are responsible for building and we all face storms. Never lose the wonder of following Jesus; nothing in life compares. Don’t just be amazed; be transformed. It’s not IF you build, but WHAT. We are all building houses – our lives.

Now that you know this information…. (see above screen behind Todd!)

After church I stopped at Levin’s and at Original Mattress Factory. I think I am going to get the mattress at Levin’s. I liked the feel, color (should be irrelevant but it’s not to me!) and the price — and the sales person. I’ll get out there one day next week.

When I got home I made a salad for lunch, then started on the St. Patrick’s Day decorations. I put up a few (but not all) of my lights, the coasters, blankets, and little stuff.

Bookcase – lights and little things…

My Irish cow – it’s actually from Ireland! Kelly got it for me when she was there in 1999.

My little bisque doll.

Kitchen lights

Dottie doll

She’s a lucky girl!!!

Wait — is Snoopy Irish???

Blanket and pillow cover.

After I was done with that I buzzed down to Norwin Walmart. I was looking for something that our Walmart was out of. That’s the second thing in 3 days that I found what I needed in the smaller store.

I didn’t know we had a Meteorological spring!!!

Now I am typing this, and will finish up, get supper, and work on two small projects. I have to go in to work in the morning at 10am to meet a customer. I have a Hallmark movie on in the background.

TODAY I am thankful for good books

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I really slept fine – but I have at least one night a week like this!

TOMORROW March 2nd is:

Fun Facts About Names Day; International Rescue A Cat Day; National Banana Cream Pie Day; National Egg McMuffin Day; National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day); National Old Stuff Day; World Teen Mental Wellness Day; World Tennis Day; Toddle Waddle; American Citizenship Day; Peasant Day.

I won’t be rescuing a cat but 10 to 1 Jen will be! I haven’t had an Egg McMuffin for YEARS! I will read in a nook; I will read every book; I will read in every state – maybe even on every date! I have PLENTY of old stuff – more old than new, including me!

Top song from 1974.

Big hit!

On this date in history: 1692: The Salem witch trials began in Massachusetts with the interrogation of the first accused individuals.

Right now it’s 62* and sunny. I tried to do a few things outside. Right after breakfast I did wash all the windows. I usually do that mid-March but it was too nice to pass up the opportunity. That took me outside several times for windows I could reach from ground level.

Clean windows and doors

Once that was done, I made myself a fresh salad with a thin slice of garlic toast. Yum.

Makes good garlic toast! (Gen brought it down)

Also changed sheets and washed them – but of course I didn’t do that outside! I did take some time to walk around to see if anything interesting was popping out of the ground in the yard. I did find a few sprouts of a cluster of daffodils. Also the bridal bush has tiny buds. I did not see any crocus, but I may have missed them. They could have stayed buried under the snow.

Buds on the bridal bush.

…. but they still have a ways to go.

I even moved the wrought iron flag holder in the front yard. I was tired of mowing and trimming around it. I put it in the flower bed out of the way.

Not sure it’s entirely straight.

It feels strange that February is over today. Somehow this year I felt the shortness of it.

I’m listening to a Hallmark Christmas movie in the background. I’ve seen it often so I don’t have to pay too close attention.

TODAY I am thankful for clean, fresh windows!

QUOTE of the DAY: In honor of my friend Gen!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 1st is:

National Wedding Planning Day; National Barista day; National Sunkist Citrus Day; National Minnesota Day; Finisher’s Medal Day; National Dadgum That’s Good Day; National Horse Protection Day; National Fruit Compote Day; National Pig Day; National Peanut Butter Lovers Day; Baby Sleep Day; Namesake Day; Plan a Solo Vacation day; Share a Smile Day; World Compliment Day.

We will celebrate Piggy Smalls day! I sent Jen a txt so she’d know. Smile! God bless...

MOVIE from 1973:

ON this day in History: 1983 Final TV episode of “M*A*S*H” airs on CBS, a two-hour special directed by series star Alan Alda titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen”; a record 125 million viewers watch in the US. (I watched it – did you?)

Gen called me this morning as she was leaving town. She got a later start than on Wednesday but still hopes to make good time – good weather and sunshine! We had such a nice visit.

I lazed around this morning and finished book #1 in a three book series. I knew there were multiple books but didn’t realize it was the kind that leaves the story hanging between books. So this afternoon I started book two!

For breakfast I had a piece of toast – the good French bread that Gen brought down. Once I got a good start on the laundry I made my short list and buzzed down to Irwin. I am drawn to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique about every two or three weeks. Today I did NOT find any skunks – but I did find a TY cow. Welcome to the herd, little guy!

When I first saw it in the basket I thought it was a skunk! Right color; wrong species!

Also saw a purple piggy bank! I don’t think I would live long enough to fill that thing!

Yes, it really IS a bank!

Next was a stop at Walmart for 2 pair of socks – one pair white and one pair black. I didn’t want ankle socks – sort of like Bobbie socks. I did find them so that was a plus! I was just leaving Walmart when Mike P called and said he had a deal for me to check, so I stopped there on the way home.

The white pair.

Had the last burger for lunch, then finished the laundry and did a batch of chocolate covered Shortbread cookies. Now I’m listening to HGTV and typing!

Girl Scout Shortbread.

TODAY I am thankful for COWS!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 28th is:

Rare Disease Day USA; National Chocolate Soufflé Day; National Tooth Fairy Day; National Floral Design Day; National Public Sleeping Day; Car Keys and Small Change Day; International Sword Swallowers Day; National Essay Day; US Snow Shoe Day; National Pancake Day; National Science Day.

My friend has a niece that has a rare disease. It’s a great challenge but a labor of continuous love! I could have benefited from the tooth fairy had it continued into adulthood. I wouldn’t entertain swallowing a sword. And I do write a lot of essays! Gen is definitely into floral design! God bless…

MOVIE from 1972:

This is a great movie to laugh the whole way through!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1813 US Congress authorizes use of steamboats to transport mail (Sometimes I think they still use them! — sorry….)

Inspirational photo: The hope of spring!

Reminds me of the azalea gardens at Biltmore!

Gen and I had a good afternoon and evening yesterday. She arrived a little past 3:30pm. She was happy to be out of the car after the 8 hour drive! But we hopped back in the car after she got settled in the house and went out to get the car washed. That’s always fun – to sit in the car with the water and brushes everywhere. And it feels like the car is moving when it’s not.

Soap and water pounding the windshield.

Gen laughing as the brushes zoom past.

After that we came home and took a walk, which felt good! Gen and I cooked supper together. She brought tomatoes and sliced cheese and ground beef. I had buns, lettuce, and two packages of Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s corn. It was REALLY yummy! She loved the coasters I made for her: one of her new house and one of her and Rainy (former dog companion).

Corn!

She brought some toys and books for Cameron that Jackson and Declan (her grandsons) are done with. I know Cameron will love them! She also brought me a spray treatment to coat my yard-working clothes. It will repel and kill Ticks. She explained the whole process and the directions for use so I have one important protective step come weeding season. We had Klondikes for bedtime snacks and both of us had a good night’s sleep.

Gen and I had scrambled eggs and yummy French bread toasted with hot tea for breakfast. We looked through a few picture albums and did a walk-through of our trip to Biltmore in November. She took a minute to model her new boutique shirt.

Gen’s new blouse.

We took a selfie on the porch and she left a little after 10am. It’s always hard to see her leave, and it feels like so long between visits. Gen was picking up her sister Dottie and meeting sisters Kathy, DeeDee and Johanna at Phipps Conservatory. They are treating themselves to a girls night at a local motel, and Gen will start home in the morning. Safe travels, ladies!

Best friends – selfie on the porch!

They have a good day to be on their adventure – it’s beautiful weather with sun and no wind. And the two feet of snow missed us!

Hahahaha

I worked in Jeannette, picked up some table linens at Hanna’s Town, grabbed 3 items at Shop and Save, then went to help Mike P. with his paperwork. I made myself another burger when I got home. My neighbor across the street walked over and chatted for about half an hour when I walked up for the mail. I answered some emails and have HGTV on in the background. And I have a list for the weekend!

TODAY I am thankful for the guys at work!

Ken, Sir Rege, Barry

QUOTE of the DAY:

I’ll take the donut….

PEANUTS?

I would for sure benefit from this!!

TOMORROW February 27th is:

Big Breakfast Day; National Skip the Straw Day; Pokémon Day; Anosmia Awareness Day; National Retro Day; National Polar Bear day; National Strawberry Day; International Stand Up to Bullying Day; National Chili Day; National Protein day; No Brainer day.

We had the perfect breakfast this morning. I think I was born in ‘Retro’! I like strawberries but not Chili so much. God bless….

MOVIE from 1971:

On This Day in History: 1983 Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller” album goes #1 and stays #1 for 37 weeks

As Bud would say – it’s 10 months until Christmas Day! I do still think of him often. He was a great boss, a story and joke teller, and had lots of insights to the business world. He was a kind man – and it appears he liked Christmas!

Today I’m operating the Burke Bed and Breakfast. Gen is coming down for an overnight stay and I want to be alert and watchful for her arrival. So I’m not really posting much. I did run out real quick this morning – the plan was to go to Ollies and pick up a package of batteries. I have a lot of battery operated light strings. When I got there there was a sign on the door that said ‘Closed until Further Notice.’ So no clue – but I had to get batteries elsewhere. Got gas in the Nissan and here I am. So I’ll get back to posting on Thursday.

Not really – just our inside joke!!!!

TODAY I am thankful for New York friends!

My dear long-time friend!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

For sure! I think for us it was 1964.

TOMORROW February 26th is:

Carpe Diem Day; National Chile Day; National Toast Day; National Small Dog Day; National Pistachio Day; Digital Learning Day; Letter to an Elder day; Tell a Fairy Tale Day; Thermos Bottle Day.

Ransom and Gigi are both small dogs – hugs to both of them. I seldom eat Chile. If I see Cameron I will share a fairy tale! God bless…

MOVIE from 1970:

What girl did NOT swoon over Robert Redford???

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1862 First Legal Tender Act of 1862 is passed by US Congress, authorizing the United States note (greenback) into circulation, the first fiat paper money that is legal tender in America. (And here we are!!!) (Fiat paper currency is government-issued money not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver)

Wren Drive was snow covered and I wasn’t sure what the roads would be like. But once I got out of the plan they were all clear. I did have work to do so I was there for a bit. Stopped at Walmart to get the cocoa that I couldn’t get yesterday at Shop and Save. Who doesn’t have Hershey’s Cocoa? Apparently Shop and Save! But Walmart only had 8 oz containers. That is NOT very much! Enough for maybe one and a half brownie batches. I’ll have to find someone who has a Sam’s club card, save up, and get a bigger container!

I decided to drink more water – so I have my snow cup today.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning and reading – more cleaning than reading. Once I came downstairs I put HGTV on in the background. Di txt me that the Girl Scout Cookies are in – so I will pick them up tomorrow. And that is it for the day!

TODAY I am thankful for clear roads in winter.

This is beautiful – but I’m glad my roads didn’t look like this.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 25th is:

Inconvenience Yourself Day; Let’s All Eat Right Day; National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day; National Pink Shirt Day; Pistol Patent Day; Quiet Day.

Eating right it a good plan any day. Donna’s Store (Smicksburg) has the BEST chocolate covered nuts. I’m fairly sure my day will be quiet – mostly. God bless…

MOVIE from 1969:

I totally love this movie! I watch it often – maybe I’ll watch it tomorrow!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1981 Britain’s Prince Charles announces engagement to Lady Diana Spencer

A little snow again this morning – but nothing stuck. I did laundry, had a small breakfast, and finished the book I was reading. Had a few minutes to look for another one but so far not impressed. I left the house at 11:30 and met my former neighbor Bernie at Hoss’s. I think it’s been 7 or 8 years or more since I’ve been there. We both had the salad bar. The conversation and catching up was better than the meal! We talked about dead people (whom we both knew), reading, publishing, food and diets, neighborhoods, kids, men (ugh), finances, jobs and history. I think we covered it all! She’s a very unique friend!

A little like this stock photo…

Thankfully not this! (New York)

My next stop was to the chiropractor (Kip) in Youngwood – then Shop and Save for 4 items I need for the week. I was going to buzz out to Levin to check out the mattresses, but decided I was not prepared to have the President’s Day sale (pending expiration tomorrow) push me into a decision quickly. So I’ll look a few places in the next few months and try to catch the Memorial Day sales.

Being pro-active…

Kelly sent me a picture last night of Ransom playing with his new Snoopy chew toy! He loves it!

I still have the ironing to do and one or two small things. Tomorrow is the long list – after work. So that’s it for today! Oh and another fun thing – I saw a post that General U. S. Grant is coming back to Delmont in June! Yea!

TODAY I am thankful for reconnecting with friends!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Actually, things are pretty OK!!!

TOMORROW February 24th is:

I Hate Coriander Day; National Steakburger Day; National Tortilla Chip Day; National Trading Card Day; Twin Peaks Day; World Bartender Day; World Spay Day.

I had tortilla chips and cheese with my salad for lunch. They were good. God bless!

Top 10 songs in 1967!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On February 23, 1954, a group of children from Arsenal Elementary School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, receive the first injections of the new polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk.

Woke up to a dusting off fresh snow. Everything did look white and soft. I was glad that we didn’t get the winter storm that east of us seemed to get.

Back deck

Lilacs

We have been continuing the lessons on Revelation in Sunday School, which I am still enjoying. I can’t say that I understand everything, or that I will remember all the details, but I feel like I have a new understanding.

Shane Woods

Todd’s message was about passing judgement – even though we must call a sin, a sin – that is NOT sinful. It’s appropriate. We must be advocates and offer benefit of the doubt – God does that for us – how could we not? When Peter denied Jesus He did not send him away as unworthy. He said, ‘Get back to work!!’. We can confront people, and correct them (gently, and in love) but not condemn them. That is not our job.

Five of the worst words of advise ever given.

After church Mary and I went out to brunch at Eat n Park. It was nice to sit and chat and catch up. We both had the salad bar, which wasn’t too exciting today, but the company was excellent!

Rather than go straight home, I went to L&L Fleatique to walk around. I was SO excited – I found another skunk! So now, with Beth having one already, I only need one more! I’m sure I can do this! Persistence pays off!

Bet you can’t find eight!

When I got home, I answered some emails and looked a few things up – made lunch plans for tomorrow with an old neighbor from up on Mohawk. Also submitted a story to a local magazine publication – we’ll see what happens. The editorial staff and the submission guidelines have changed so not sure if the selection process has redirected their focus as well.

I still have a bit of ironing to do! That will be it for the day.

TODAY I am thankful for…. (Wait for it!)…. SKUNKS!!!! (HAHAHAHA)

One left to find!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

Diesel Engine Day; National Banana Bread Day; National Dog Biscuit Day; National Play Tennis Day; National Rationalization day; National Tile Day; National Tootsie Roll Day; Pinocchio Day; Clean Monday; Curling is Cool Day; National Alycat Day.

We Kathy and I were little, Tootsie Rolls were a standard part of our vacations (travel snack food) and Santa always left them for us! I think that’s all I’ll celebrate today!

MOVIE from 1968:

I can’t believe I actually went to see this – it was NOT my kind of movie!

On this date in history: In 1963 Fred and Wilma Flintstone gave birth to a baby girl, whom they names Pebbles!

It was hard to have Kelly and Chase leave this morning. But I’m EVER SO GRATEFUL (as Grama Violet used to say!) that they come up so often and spend time here. I love it! Last night (Thursday) Autmn, Noah and Cameron came for about half an hour and we had fun with them, too. Cameron is such a ham and loves to pose and smile for the camera any time! He sure loves his cows and duckies!

Cameron loves sitting on the chair!

Almost always happy!

And speaking of animals – we saw our first robin of spring (well, almost spring) yesterday morning! It’s hard to see his red breast but there were 3 or 4 playing in the yards. And the black bird was identified by my camera as a Common Grackle. Never heard of one but it was beautiful with deep shiny blue and purple feathers.

Robin directly in the middle.

Grackle?

When we came downstairs there was a note on Chase’s brown bear (or whatever it is!). He needed the seam in his back sewn. So I preformed surgery and the operation was successful. All is well. Two emergency stitchings in less than a week! I need to raise my prices!! 🙂

The note Chase left the ‘surgeon’!

The note the ‘surgeon’ left Chase!

I had a follow-up dentist appointment to make sure my gums were healing properly where the bridge will be. All is well. And while I was waiting I had a beautiful ‘view’. I wouldn’t mind being there for real.

Doesn’t this look delightful?

My step-sister Barb posted about February being Skunk mating season. Kathy copied it and sent it to me! It was an interesting read! I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt – but I haven’t seen it except for that one time last Thursday.

It was sunny and bright most of the day but very windy. My weather app on my task bar says rain/snow ahead. Ugh. I did get a chance after the dentist to be outside for about an hour. I swept the patio stones and part of the driveway, pulled dead vines on the hill by the house, and pulled some dead branches out of the lilacs by the fence. Now I’m itching to get outside for real and clean up! Come on, spring!

Pulled the dead vines out.

Pulled a bunch of dead branches out of here.

I’m listening to Dan + Shay and Brad Paisley Christmas Albums while I work. I haven’t watched TV since Tuesday evening! I don’t think I missed anything – and if I did it wasn’t as fun as being with my family.

Brad Paisley

TODAY I am thankful for family time!

Cameron and Kelly

Noah, Autmn and Chase

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 21st is:

Card Reading Day; International Mother Language Day; National Boiled Peanuts Day; National Grain-Free Day; National Red Sock Day; National Sticky Bun Day; Language Day.

I’ve been hungry for a sticky bun. Yum. If I can find my red socks I’ll wear them! God bless…

MOVIE from 1966:

Oh my gosh! I remember this so well!!! Don Knotts was CRAZY!!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1962: John Glenn becomes first American to orbit the Earth

We accomplished several things today. We were able to book our motel for Gettysburg, and even pick a date for a day trip to Johnstown. It’s nice to have that done. We had leftover pizza for lunch, and made Brownies for Autmn and Noah. They came to visit for about half an hour and it was fun to spend time with Cameron. Pictures tomorrow. We also popped back over to Big Lots – Kelly was looking for a battery operated night light for her bathroom and finally decided on one so we went and got that. I’ll post the rest of the news tomorrow. They are leaving in the morning 🙁

TODAY I am thankful for fresh made brownies!

I gave 2 pans of brownies away – except for tonight’s dessert!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 20th is:

No Politics Day; Clean Out your Bookcase Day; Friday Fish Fry Day; National Caregivers Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Comfy Day; National Handcuff Day; National Love your Pet Day; National Leadership Day; National Muffin Day; National Student Volunteer Day; National Tarter Sauce Day; World Care Day.

No politics is fine with me! And I AM going to have fish one of these Fridays during lent. No handcuffs and no pet but muffins are good. God bless…

MOVIE from 1965:

Definitely a classic favorite. It’s on my favorites list!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1945 Six U.S. servicemen raised the American flag over Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II.

Classic photo.