Today is Wednesday, so I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. Still have to fold the towels later – or in the morning. As is also typical, I took my time. I kept getting distracted with little projects. I had the last of the homemade bread from Easter toasted for breakfast, and a few Pizza rolls for lunch – quick microwave and a few bites and kept going!

After I finished cleaning I decided to switch out summer/winter clothes. It might still be a tad early, but honestly, they are just in the spare room closet so if I need something I can just grab it. I was excited because I was able to weed out a trash bag full of cast-offs – wrong sizes, duplicates, etc. I have several ideas about what to do with them. Also had a Walmart bag full of ones that should have been thrown away about 5 years ago! About time!

Give-aways

Sunny and chilly – so no outside work today. The new neighbors finally cut their front yard. It’s kind of choppy since it was so high – so I’m guessing they will have to do it again quickly.

And I guess that’s my whole day! I have the farm videos on in the background. They are talking about planting more fruit trees. Lots of work…

And not just apples!

So, today I am thankful for accomplishing an extra chore!

QUOTE of the DAY:

I can’t wait until Cameron is old enough to catch fireflies!

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow April 9th is:

Appomattox Day; Global Holistic Wealth Day; Jumbo Day; National Cherish an Antique Day; National Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Mature Women’s Day; National Name Yourself Day; National Unicorn Day; National Winston Churchill Day; Grand National; National Chicken Little Awareness Day.

Well, not only do I cherish antiques, and have LOTS of them – I also AM one! And that in itself is enough. God bless…

MOVIE From 2007:

I liked this movie enough to purchase the DVD!

On this date in history: 1879 Milk is sold in glass bottles for the first time.

I had a decent amount to do at work this morning. Everything went smoothly. I stopped at T-Mobile to ask about my iCloud storage but they actually weren’t much help! I DO know what’s going on but not sure how to navigate it. I think the key to this will be Kelly – but not sure in what way!

I had a list when I came home. Ate a piece of ham, sent a card to my friend Corliss who is having surgery on Thursday. Sent a group email to the Skunk Hollow girls about our upcoming Spring event, then did the ironing. I needed to make a cover for my flannel boards and pieces – I bought a set of pillow cases at Ollies and cut, sewed, and attached Velcro – and I think it will be just fine.

Nothing exciting – but a good protection.

Betty Lukens flannel figures and boards.

My plain black ‘tennis’ shoes (more like deck shoes) were worn thin, so I took a few minutes to pop over to look for another pair. Didn’t find exactly what I wanted but found something comfortable that will look just fine with leggings and a nice shirt. I usually have better luck finding the ones I want closer to summer.

I was in the garage looking for something and I heard a crash. The metal pole light I had stored out there (I was done with it, actually) just toppled over. When I checked, the heavy ‘cement’ filler in the bottom that holds it up crumbled and the light just fell over. So now it’s out for the trash.

This is the flag I moved from the other fence up to the driveway.

I already got all my emails done, so once this is finished I can search for food. Probably homemade bread toasted with tomato.

TODAY I am thankful again for the sunshine. (But it IS cold!)

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW April 8th is:

Baby Massage Day; Draw a Picture of a Bird Day; International Feng Shui Awareness Day; International Pageant Day; National All is Ours Day; National Pygmy Hippo Day; National Zoo Lovers Day; Step into the Spotlight day; Trading Cards for Grown-Ups Day.

I’m really not sure that anything there pulls me into a celebration. But enjoy whatever you do! God bless…

MOVIE from 2006:

My grandkids loved this.

On this day in history: 1862 Battle of Shiloh: Ulysses S. Grant defeats Confederate forces in Tennessee

I was really exhausted yesterday. When I finally went to bed I hadn’t even swept the floors! I never let that go! Thankfully Noah had swept up the paper Easter grass that Cameron had ‘planted’ in two rooms!

Ransom can’t figure out what this was all about!

But Cameron thinks it’s wonderful!

Started the day with the Easter horses!

We had a Social hour before church yesterday. There were SO MANY COOKIES! And several dozen donuts. It was so had to choose. It was nice to just hang around and talk to friends and new people that we don’t get to chat with often. Todd’s message was about Hope – and that it starts in the darkness. It was a very good message – We know the end of the story, and it gives us hope. I’d like to watch the live-stream again.

Jesus folded His own grave clothes.

Everyone got to the house about 2:30pm. We had lots of yummy food! Ham with potatoes and carrots, Beef roast, noodles from both broths, Aunt Joan’s Corn, homemade bread, veggies and dip, potato salad, deviled eggs — and dessert was Oreo Ice Cream, Apple pie with Vanilla Bean ice cream, cinnamon rolls, Peanut butter fudge. And M&M’s!

Taking a minute to relax after lunch.

The kids jumped in and helped clean up. I was thankful to have the help! Cameron and Ransom were friends….

Easter bunny to Ransom…

Cameron had fun looking for eggs that the Easter Bunny (AKA Nate and Jen) hid in the bottom yard. He wasn’t really interested in finding them all – once he had 2 or 3 he just wanted to open the eggs and eat the candy! It was still chilly, so once he gathered up the eggs we all came back inside and opened them. There were M&M’s, fruit snacks, mini cookies, and dinosaur stickers.

He loved his bubble machine – bubbles everywhere!

So fun! – now to the egg hunt…

Autmn with Cameron – looking for eggs!

Chrissy following Cameron around.

Basketful…..

Plunder.

Everyone started drifting off after that, one group at a time. I sent all the leftovers home with the kids – I only kept a few cinnamon rolls and a few slices of Oreo Ice Cream. And a bite of ham.

Ransom saying buy to Chrissy.

There were still a few things that I needed to clean up and put away, but I was glad to leave what I could until today. All the Easter decorations are down, packed in bins, and stored in the garage. I finally did get the floors swept, and even got the outdoor flags switched out. And the blankets to spring! Now, on to the next project!

The new farm flag – Cameron lives his cows!

But I did forget to mention that on Friday night at Good Friday services a former student from my Sunday School Class (he’s 7 now!) wanted me to know how much he appreciated me as a teacher….

From Jackson.

TODAY I am thankful for sunshine! Except for a quick rain….

It did pour…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 7th is:

International Beaver Day; International Snail Papers Day; Make the First Move Day; Metric System Day; Motherhood and Beauty Day; National Coffee Cake Day; National Girl Me Too Day; National No Housework Day; Public Television Day; World Health Day.

No housework? Hmmm. I could do that. God bless…

MOVIE from 2005:

I liked the original better.

On this day in History:

It was a fun day – great to have the family here. Good food, laughs, family time. But I’m really exhausted so I will recap tomorrow. Have a lovely week! God bless….

I kept busy all day. As previously mentioned, when I change the sheets on my new mattress the bed skirt always falls off – all the elastic washed out of it. I plan on looking for a new one after Easter. Or Vacation. Or whenever!

I need a new one like this

I did, however, get the sheets washed and changed. After my shower I had a piece of cinnamon toast, then started on the prep for tomorrow. Made potato salad and a few deviled eggs, and peeled/am soaking the potatoes for around the ham. I made tea, since I know it’s a favorite for Sherree. Got the lunch trays set out, and a few other items. The corn is defrosting in the fridge. Can’t have a holiday meal without Aunt Joan’s corn! So my fridge is full for a change.

Everything’s ready!

And I did not move my car or leave the house at all – I didn’t even start it! Glad to be home all day.

Taking a break!

Once I got all the Easter prep done, I cut the grass. It was a little warm to be doing that but at least there was a breeze. I also pulled weeds around the maple/lilac/bridal bush in the front yard, and realigned the rock border.

Grass is cut

Cleaned up all the leaves stuck to the driveway

dug out all the weeds – straightened the rocks.

I was trying to clean out the leaves stuck in the bushes and rammed a twig though my arm. It doesn’t hurt but it does look awful.

My boo-boo.

I mentioned my neighbor who had an ambulance at their house earlier this week. Sharon was sitting on her porch so I walked over and we chatted for a long while. She’s so nice – has a strong faith base and that’s such a comfort. Lou did get home from the hospital. She was glad that he’s improving.

I txt Autmn and she is going to make her deviled eggs – and if we don’t eat them tomorrow her and Noah will for sure eat them. She had a rough day – something in her house flooded and she had a tough time getting it cleaned up. Then the window would not shut and the wasps kept coming in. Too much for one day!

How cute is this? Way too much work for me…..

Today I’m thankful that I don’t have anything else pressing this evening!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow April 5th is:

Gold Star Spouses Day; International Day of Conscience; National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day; National Body Care Day; National Caramel Day; National Dandelion Day; National Deep Dish Pizza Day; National Raisin and Spice Bar Day; National Self Care Day; Easter Sunday.

OF COURSE – Easter is top priority. He is risen as he said! God bless us, every one.

MOVIE from 2004:

I never did get to ride this…..

On this date in history:

OK – can’t help it. I think this is funny….

Here it is Good Friday – and it was good. Very good for us. But, Sunday’s coming! Services tonight at HCC at 6pm.

I had a scone for breakfast – with leftover pink icing. I talked to Kelly and she’s still crazy busy. I couldn’t do that any more – but I spent almost 40 years DOING that! After I ate, I did a load of laundry, then boiled the potatoes and eggs for potato salad. That will be tomorrow’s job.

It was yummy!

I knew I had a little time today to squeeze in a visit to L&L Fleatique. I wanted to find a unique tea cup for a friend – which I did.

A square mug – IS unique…

But the exciting thing is that I found the tenth skunk! Glory be! I was so excited. That’s not saying that I won’t keep looking for them. But I couldn’t believe I found one. Yea! They are going to live here for a while so I can celebrate them!

Celebrating skunk number TEN!

On the way home I stopped at Giant Eagle. Kelly is bringing an apple pie for Sunday – but it’s next to impossible to bring ice cream when she leaves the house at 7:30am, goes to church, then heads straight here for 2pm lunch. So I got both chocolate and vanilla.

Plus Chocolate Fudge

When I went out for the mail I snapped pictures of the mock orange and the myrtle bed by the walk.

Myrtle

More Mock Orange blossoms

I even managed to renew my driver’s license on line. It was frustrating, because my screens were not giving me the full picture and I couldn’t get to the print button. A few minutes of dabbling and I finally got my interim license copy and my receipt. Now I wait for my ‘credentials!’

Today I am thankful for SKUNKS!

NO! not THIS kind!!!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 4th is:

International Firewalk Day; Tell a Lie Day; National Play Outside Day; National Vitamin C Day; National Handmade Day; Jeep 4X4 Day; National Love our Children Day; National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day; National School Librarian Day; National Hug a Newsperson Day; 404 Day; Black Saturday/Holy Saturday; International Carrot Day.

No lies, please- even George Washington knew that! I love my children and grandchildren and my great grandson and my friends! I don’t know any newspeople. We’re having carrots on Sunday. God bless…

Movie from 2003:

Super funny!!! An annual choice….

On this date in History: 1860 Start of the Pony Express, mail is delivered by horse and rider relay teams between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California

Today was still busy, but it was less hectic, if that makes sense. I had to work this morning, and did outside title work for my friend Mike G. Rege and I had a few fun conversations and that always makes the day go better. I left work and stopped to help Mike P with a deal, then popped into a super crowded Walmart for 4 things – of which two they were totally out of! How can a store that size be out of tomatoes?

I left there and picked up Cameron. Autmn dropped him off at her friends Alex and Arless and their daughter Olivia on her way to work. They were out for a walk, and Cameron loved riding in their wagon. And he was mostly very gentle with Olivia – but I wouldn’t totally trust that!

Olivia in one of her rare quiet moments!

We stopped at McDonalds and got him a Happy meal – which he ate most of. We went outside to play, and of course he wanted to open the shed. He likes to play with the real tools – like the rake and the shovel and the Scott’s spreader. He didn’t want anything to do with toys!

I hate to say it – but he was looking for dog poop! Didn’t find any….

Raking the dirt.

Katrina and Bella (Noah’s mom and sister) picked Cameron up about 2:30 – they were going to the new playground out Route 30 by Weatherwood. I’m sure they had fun! They are keeping Cam overnight so Autmn and Noah will get a little break, anyway!

Just one part – there are several!

I did go out to get gas for the Ford and stopped up the street at Shop and Save to get tomatoes and soft oleo, then came home and worked on the front flower bed up to the porch. It looks really nice. Still a ways to go but I’m getting there. It may take me until fall to get the spring weeding done! I also swept and cleaned up the back patio stones.

Patio

First half

Second half

The daffodils are starting to bloom.

And I’m thankful for a quiet evening inside as twilight approaches.

Four days ago – Downtown Greensburg.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 3rd is:

American Circus Day; Fish Fingers and Custard Day; Independent Artist Day; National Chocolate Mouse Day; National Tweed Day; National Parenting Education Day; National Walk to Work Day; Weed Out Hate Day; World Aquatic Animal Day; World Marbles Day; National Find a Rainbow Day; World Party Day.

It’s a little far to walk to work. We have some marbles here. No rainbow without the rain. God bless…

Country song from 2002:

Alan Jackson

On this day in History:

It’s 8pm and I don’t THINK I’ve had any pranks or jokes. Thankfully. Except I did see a post from a weather source that we were to get 11-15 inches of snow over the weekend. I’m thinking that may be an April Fools post.

I started the day behind! I didn’t get the cinnamon rolls iced last night, so after my shower I did that. Bright pink for Easter! Then I started cleaning. I was done upstairs with everything except the floors when Autmn called. She had a bunch of things she needed, and her and Cameron ended up spending most of the afternoon here while Noah did Door Dash. I helped her with some laundry while they there here. Then Noah picked them up and they switched – Noah and Cameron went to his mom’s do finish the laundry, and Autmn went Door Dashing. It was a long day for them and it’s not over yet.

Daredevils!

I did see last week (and forgot to post) that my former boss from Greensburg Pinnacle posted that his son Austen was deployed. He’s on the USS Carrier George H. W. Bush. No information as to where they are headed. In times like these it’s a scary thought – and not knowing where makes it worse. Prayers!!!

I just finished cleaning the rest of the house, Autmn’s laundry, and my laundry. It’s after 8pm and I’ll be ready for supper here shortly. I skipped lunch. I just took a walk outside and saw that my Bridal Bush is in full bloom. Mom gave me that and I’m pretty sure it was from Grama’s house.

Then I noticed that there was an ambulance across the street. Lou has a lot of health issues and has had for a long time. I didn’t keep track, but when I went up to put the laundry away the ambulance was just leaving, and Sharon followed in her car. I do hope comfort and healing for him.

By then the solar lights were on, and 2 of my flowers still work from last year.

And the moon is hiding in the clouds. I think tonight is the pink moon, about 10:15pm.

‘My’ moon!

TODAY I am thankful for baby hugs!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 2nd is:

International Children’s Book Day; National Burrito Day; National DIY Day; National Employee Benefits Day; National Ferret Day; National Love your Produce Manager day; National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; National Reconciliation Day.

I’m all for children’s books! Not so much DIY – can barely handle a hammer or a screw driver! And I was never a fan of PB&J! God bless…

MOVIE from 2001:

On this date in History: 1863 US Congress passes the first wartime conscription law, calling for the registration of all 20 to 45-year-old males. (Daniel, in my book Letters to Mary, entered the Army shortly after that!)

And so it continues! Work was fine but there were several snags – mostly with my online PENNDOT program and paperwork glitches, but I got that handled. I stopped on the way home at Gabe’s and bought a few new charger cords for my phone. I can make do now with what I have. And my case came today so I feel much ‘safer’ now using it. It’s very similar to my old case, but not as good quality. It’ll work!

New case for new phone.

I dropped a loaf of bread off at Kathy’s – as is tradition! Then I came home and made the last of the Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets into DARK chocolate covered ones. Then once they were cool I took some pretzels and a loaf of bread down to Rege (and Jean). I changed clothes when I got back and spent 2 hours outside. Got the side flower bed cleaned out and the stone borders straightened out, up to the side of the front deck. Then I just dug out dandelions and straightened the stones before I came in.

The front, by the walk.

Front by the driveway.

The upper side.

In front of the front porch.

The moon looks full tonight but I think it’s tomorrow. And it must be going to rain as there is a ring around the moon!

Almost-full….

My next project was to make the pie dough cinnamon rolls that Peyton likes (the rest of us do too!). I still have to ice them, and then grab supper. And it’s late, so this is it!

Cooling off…

TODAY I am thankful for 70-plus* weather! Beautiful!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 1st is:

April Fools’ Day; Boomer Bonus Day; Childhelp National Day of Hope; Fossil Fools Day; Harmonize your Health day; Holy Wednesday; International Fun at Work Day; International Tatting Day; Library Snapshot day; Lupus Alert Day; National Greeting Card Day; National Once Cent Day; National Sourdough Bread Day; National Trombone Players Day; National Walking Day; Passover begins; Reading is Funny Day; US Air Force Academy Day.

A friend at Smail’s used to ALWAYS pull April fools’ jokes. I wasn’t a fan. I like to send cards. I think there is a shortage of ‘one cents’; Probably won’t take a walk but will WALK! God bless…

Movie from 2000:

I think kids still watch this.

On this date in history:

Well, I had to get a phone. I was totally out of storage and most of the functions were not working. The only thing I can’t figure out is how to add iCloud storage, which has to be purchased. I will struggle through until I have someone who can help me. I’m hoping Matt will answer some of my questions on Sunday – although he does deserve a day off! SO the saga isn’t over yet.

After breakfast I went over to T-Mobile and picked out/purchased my phone. I have an iPhone 17e. It’s not the most expensive or the most hi-tech, which are basically the two reasons I chose it. I think it will be perfect for me. However – the downside (other than the crazy price!) was that I had to order a new case (it’s a different size) and the charging cubes and cords do not match. Of COURSE they don’t! I need a few – one for work, and the car, and my bedroom where I usually charge it, and the kitchen, and downstairs. So I’ll get them local and not an iPhone brand, except for the one that came with the phone.

Case I ordered.

So once I got home, I did laundry, and moved the treadmill to the garage until all the April events are over. Gives me more space in the family room.

Stuck in a corner with other stuff for a few weeks!

I mixed up bread very early, and used my new Tupperware mixing bowl. I had the other one since I was in my early 20’s so it was well worth waiting for. I just took the bread out of the oven and it smells wonderful!

New bowl

I also made the Oreo ice cream dessert. It’s re-freezing in the upstairs freezer. Then I made a nice batch of chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets. So those are checked off the list.

Oreo Ice Cream dessert

Pretzels

I’m going to try to make the little cinnamon roll cookies this week. I know Peyton loves them.

photo from my archives.

I have the little heater on under my desk and have the farm video playing in the background. My stomach is a little unsettled – no wonder! But I’ll eat a piece of homemade bread – still warm! – with butter for supper. That should be bland enough to settle it down.

TODAY I am TRYING to be thankful for a new phone!

Plain old black one – I cover it with a case anyway!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 31st is:

Anesthesia Tech Day; Eiffel Tower Day; Holy Tuesday; International Taco day; National Crayon Day; National Farm Workers Day; National Prom Day; National Tater Day; World Backup Day.

Stay focused on the holy week events – God bless…

MOVIE from 1999:

I don’t think I watched this one – but I think the kids did.

On this date in History: 1867 The United States buys Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000 (109 million in 2018 dollars), roughly 2 cents an acre.