Sunday School was the story about Mary anointing Jesus’s head with perfume. The kids made alabaster ‘jars’ with baby oil and perfume, and we talked about what it meant to be wasteful. And how we could honor Jesus.

The drive on the way up to Slippery Rock was beautiful – the sky was bright blue with puffy clouds. The temperature stayed right about 50* and the sun stayed out all day.

I met Di and Shannon at Diane’s at 11:30 and we headed to Jennings. We did stop at Arby’s for a quick lunch – I had a slider and the best ‘fast food’ fries I’ve had in recent memory. Shannon was ringing the bell on the way out- good meal!

The program was about tapping trees, maple syrup, and changes through the process. Our guide, Stephanie, not only gave us great information but also made the event fun and interesting!

The program started inside with a slide show with information about Jennings Environmental; then we learned about the structure of trees, what trees can be tapped for syrup (there are 3 besides the maples), how to properly place the taps, and what equipment is necessary. We also learned the changes from the early Native Americans through current day.

From there we went outside. We learned how to identify maple trees from their branches, since in February and March there are no leaves to identify the trees.

Our second stop was to see how Native Americans tapped the trees. They put the sap in hollowed out trees, and heated rocks over a fire. They dropped the rocks into the sap (and repeated the process endlessly!) until the water boiled off and the syrup was ready. They, however, boiled it until they made maple sugar, which they could store under ground for years!

When the colonists arrived they made changes – they tapped the trees and put the sap in a huge open caldron over a hot fire. When the water was boiled off they stored it in buckets.

Once we got past the Civil War, more changes were made. Metal spouts were inserted in trees with a metal bucket attached. The sled – called a Stone Boat -had a huge barrel on the back and was pulled from tap to tap and emptied, then taken to a ‘sugar shack’ (an enclosed building) where the kids would stir and watch the sap boil down into syrup. It was boiled in flat-bottomed pans, and that concept is still used today.

World War II saw the conversion from buckets and taps to tubing and clear plastic bags hung on plastic taps. This keeps the dirt and bugs, etc, out of the sap and is still often used today. Another option is to drain the tubing into a covered bucket.

At the end of the tour we saw the sap from the property being boiled and made into syrup. We also got to taste a sample, and I can say that it was very good, and very sweet! Thanks to Stephanie for sharing her expertise with us, and for engaging her group so well. It was a great program.

Diane’s daughter Lori had bought her and I both a Snoopy Christmas Dome as a surprise! I’m so excited! I’m going to turn the lights out in the family room, turn on the dome, and enjoy an evening of ‘Christmas’ before I tuck it away for future holidays.

I’m going to finish this up, get supper, and be done for the night. I finished watching Night Sky last night (binge-watched!) and – as Gen had shared – the acting was great and the older couple (Franklin and Irene) could be a proto-type for Mom and John! It was Sci-Fi and adventure/fantasy – but I did appreciate the relationships!

Fun things to do in Washington DC:

Scripture:

Quote about sweet taste:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2005: MUD ON THE TIRES – Brad Paisley

TOMORROW March 6th is:

National Frozen Food Day; National Oreo Cookie Day; National Dress Day; National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day; National Dentist’s Day.

I have Oreo Cookies in the freezer – I’ll go there! BUT don’t tell my dentist. God bless….

Did you do any marching today? I’m afraid I didn’t do any – but I did ‘march’ around the neighborhood for about 45 minutes! I needed to get back into routine and get some fresh air and sunshine. I sort of laughed at the one fire hydrant. There was a ‘snow flag’ on it which helps the snow plows know it was there. It was in the middle of a yard! Hoping the plow isn’t that far off!

I zipped over to Home Depot early – right after breakfast – and got the outlet covers and switch plates I needed. I decided since all the outlets were hidden, and I had replated the two new ones, I would change the switch plate, too. I think it looks nice and I’m glad I spent the $1.43 to do it!

The church on the corner changed their sign and I thought it was pretty clever…

Nate stopped over for the left over deviled eggs and mac/salad and we had a nice visit. Life as a parent can be a challenge. Ask me: I know! But everything is fine and Chrissy loves her job.

I have been ‘binge-watching’ the series that Gen suggested, Night Sky. I am starting episode seven later tonight. It’s creapy in places and I think I missed a few clues here and there, but I’m sort of hooked now!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about parenting:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2004: LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING – Tim McGraw

TOMORROW March 5th is:

Finisher’s Medal day; National Absinthe Day; National Cheese Doodle Day; National Multiple Personality Day.

Tomorrow is the second hike at Jennings Environmental Center. Di, Shannon, and I will leave around lunch time. We will learn about making maple syrup, and how the process has changed over many years! SO pick your favorite personality and have a great day. God bless…

Kath had her procedure done early this morning, and since I was her ride home I got a call from the doctor at about 9am that she was done and everything went well. She would be released in an hour or two and I could wait for the call. Half an hour later I got the call to pick her up. We got lunch on the way home as she hadn’t eaten, and the instructions said not to be alone for 24 hours. Paul was at work so I spent the day with my lovely sister, who felt very good and perky, and I swear if I hadn’t been there she’d have done laundry, run the sweeper and washed windows!!! I know that because that would have been what I would have done… So now I’m home having hot tea in my M&M mug.

It’s pouring rain, sometimes sideways, and the dark clouds are whizzing past. It is terrifically windy! Not a day to be outside. I’m thankful I have the option of being inside! I’ll finish laundry, pay some bills, answer emails, write out thank you notes, and get dinner.

Thought I’d post some pictures of my St. Patrick’s day decorations. The house is looking festive!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Top hit of 2003: HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN – Darryl Worley

TOMORROW March 4th is:

A VERY COMMANDING DAY! (Get it? March forth!) Also, Global Day of Unplugging, National Play Outside Day; National Hug a G.I. Day; National Pound Cake Day; National Grammar Day; Marching Music Day; National Sons Day.

I can celebrate national sons day (Yea, Nate!) and include grandsons (Peyton, Logan, Chase). And son-in-law Matt. I’m not unplugging anything but I’ll watch my grammar all day. God bless!!!

I was busy at work in Jeannette and in Greensburg. I had loose ends of errands to tie up so I didn’t get home until almost 2pm and then I was hungry! So I ate the rest of the potato soup for lunch with some pretzels and got to work cleaning. It was a big job – I cleaned some spots twice. There was a lot of dust and residue from yesterday’s projects. It’s 8:35pm and I just finished cleaning. It feels good to be done!

Paul is taking Kathy to her surgery appointment in the morning, and I will pick her up when she’s done. She was good with that arrangement so I’ll be on standby all morning until I get the call!

So here’s the recap from yesterday. Byron, Kenton and Keith (co-worker) got here about 8:30am and jumped right in. Kenton and Keith dug the trench from the house down to the shed. It’s never had electric and I’ve been here almost 32 years! So now I have an outlet and an overhead light with a real light switch! I’m so excited!

I watched the guys thread the wire through the conduit and then Keith spend most of the day connecting and installing everything in the shed. Bryon and Kenton ran the wires through the house and connected everything to the breakers. I have two new outlets that are connected to one outlet each, so I should not have any problems blowing breakers again! Tonight I ran the sweeper with the heater still on and no problems.

We had lunch on the deck, and the guys were impressed with the Chipped Ham BBQ. They were trying to figure out how I got the ham that thin! It’s a Pittsburgh thing! I sent the left-overs home with them.

I finished putting up the St. Patrick’s Day decorations – maybe that will be tomorrow’s post!!!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about being thankful

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 2002: A MOMENT LIKE THIS – Kelly Clarkson

TOMORROW, March 3rd is:

National Soup it Forward Day; National Speech & Debate Education Day; National Anthem Day; National Employee Appreciation Day; National I Want You to be Happy Day; National Cold cuts Day; national day of Unplugging; National Mulled Wine Day; National Dress Blue in Day.

I DO want you to be happy – every day! And I definitely appreciate both my fellow employees and the National Anthem. So let’s celebrate. God bless!

I got up extra early this morning in expectation of Byron and his crew at 8am. They were pretty much on target. I am mostly tired this evening and just got home from Bible study so I’m ready to call it a night.

I’ll post pictures and share the day’s events tomorrow so stay tuned!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about being tired:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2001: I HOPE YOU DANCE – Lee Ann Womack

TOMORROW March 2nd is:

National Hospitalist Day; National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day); World Teen Mental Wellness Day; National Old Stuff Day; National Banana Cream Pie Day.

I’ll go with the old stuff. That’s me on several levels! Have a happy day and God Bless…

Here we are at the last day of February. It’s cold and cloudy and windy. My cabin fever is showing. Beth and I were e-chatting and both agree that we suffer from that! I sent her pictures of Mom and Dad in the sleigh and in the buggy, which she had wanted. That was a LONG time ago!

After work and then lunch I started working on food for tomorrow. My ‘electrician’ is finally coming to give me more outlets in my family room, and since they are a family friend I offered lunch. So I made macaroni salad, deviled eggs, and chipped ham BBQ. That is a lot of food for me to pump out in one afternoon! Now I have to organize the family room so we can get the work done.

Also have to remember to change all the calendars tonight, especially the Peanuts one. It’s a sad state of affairs when flipping a calendar page is the excitement for the day!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture is PEANUTS POST:

Quote about loving others:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2001: DON’T HAPPEN TWICE – Kenny Chesney

TOMORROW March 1st is:

National Sunkist Citrus Day; National Minnesota Day; National Pig Day; National Peanut Butter Lovers Day; Self Injury Awarness Day; National Dadgum That’s Good Day; National Fruit Compote Day; National Horse Protection Day.

Let’s celebrate Piggy Smalls! It’s his day, after all! Hugs to piggies everywhere! Have a great MARCH!!!!

Nate txt me last night that they were bringing Dave’s Grandmother’s sewing machine over. They had asked me several weeks ago if I wanted to give it a good home. ABSOLUTELY!!! Wall to wall furniture, that’s me! So I got up, showered, dressed and had breakfast. I sent a quick txt to Joe and Barry to say I’d be later coming in. They both txt me back that they were still holding deals for funding so nothing there! SO… I changed clothes from work to play, took an almost two mile walk before it rained, and came back.

The sewing maching arrived and the guys carried inside for me and sat it on an old work-blanket. In the meantime I got a call from Mike P and a txt from Mike G – but I just scheduled them for tomorrow. I let Di know I was home, because the Girl Scout cookies I ordered were in. She brought over a pizza and we had lunch.

THEN I got to work cleaning the sewing machine. There were so many metal parts that were dusty and dirty, and the wood was so dry. I had to change the cleaning water just to get the job done. I treated the wood cabinet with Lemon Oil and it soaked in really fast. So now the Singer is sitting by the steps and will stay there until (really, unless!) I find a better showcase for it in another spot.

I did laundry this morning, ran the dishwasher, and made a list of chores that I will need to do in the next few days. After I post this I will answer emails and then look through photo albums for an illusive photo of my parents! Work tomorrow!

Last night I noticed that the deck lights – as they changed colors – made a pattern in the door. White and Blue.

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture about cleaning:

Quote about cleaning:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2000: HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW? Toby Keith

TOMORROW February 28th is:

National Tooth Fairy Day; Rare Disease Day USA; National Pancake Day – IHOP; World Spay Day; National Public Sleeping Day; National Chocolate Souffle Day; National Floral Design Day.

Tomorrow is also the last day of February! How can a day with 28 days seem to go so SLOW!!! Celebrate all day – and God bless…

Even though I got up a little after 7am, it felt like sleeping in after yesterday’s early rising. I left for church early and make copies of the Sunday School lessons for the next 7 or 8 weeks so Mary had a copy. We had a visitor today, Vivi, who is my niece Tonia’s niece! She was an upbeat little girl and seemed to really enjoy the class. We took some time for Play-dough and Gracie made Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I guess she’s going to Disney in March and is very excited! She really did a good job. Max had a lot of great information to share during the lesson, so we had a lot of child-input this morning. We all had a good class! We finished our finger paint project about being influencers. They had good ideas.

Our little behind-the-scenes stickee note writer is still leaving notes! It’s so cheering to see them – feels so personal. Thanks to whomever is so thoughtful.

Todd’s message was the first in a series of three entitled BREAKTHROUGH. Today we are breaking through disappointment. One of the most interesting points was that the first thing we do in a crisis or disappointment is to pray. That is not a WRONG thought, but when we do that our focus is on ourselves. We are self-centered and are thinking primarily about our requests. If you look in Psalms 77 it talks about turning to God, but what the writer does is to remember everything that God has done in the past, and all the blessings we have. That way we are focused on God and not ourselves. While we are trying to make our way through our problem, God is working upstream (reference crossing the Jordan River!) where we can’t see – already working on resolving our problems, His way! Never cease to focus on God, and always remember to include prayer!

TODAY is Westmoreland County’s 250th Anniversary! There will be lots of attention and celebrations throughout the year, so be sure to stay focused on media announcements: Newspapers, Facebook posts, Websites, Historical society events. Two Hundred and Fifty Years! Wow….

Deb sent me the cutest picture! But I don’t think I could eat this rice cutie-pie!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about works of God

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1999: SHE THINKS MY TRACTOR’S SEXY – Kenny Chesney

TOMORROW February 27th is:

National Kahlua Day; National Polar Bear Day; National Strawberry Day; National Retro Day.

Tomorrow is work, laundry, and some light clean-up day. Last week was a busy week and this week is shaping up to keep me busy, as well. Have a wonderful Monday and God bless…

I left the house this morning at 6:34am. I stopped to take a picture of the sunrise trying to happen. I’m seldom up and outside at this hour of the day! As I headed out of the driveway I noticed three visitors in the neighbor’s yard. They were so close I could almost touch them from my car.

I headed to Diane’s. Shannon was already there, so we were on the road in no time. We got to Jennings Environmental Education Center in Slippery Rock a little after 8:30am – had a cookie and some hot cider (which was very good!) and looked at some of the displays. Our tour started about 9:30am and we headed down the trail and across the bridge to the Native American, who explained some of the encounters General Washington had with local tribes.

The woods were pretty clear, and although you can’t see it, there were snow flurries. The guide gave us information about not only the education center and their programs, but also read quotes from G. Washington’s diary and that of his traveling companion, Christopher Gist. It was very interesting to understand that Washington was standing almost where we were standing, and once he finished up there he was heading to Williamsburg VA. So are we (in April)!

After the tour, Di and I walked out to the Wetlands. It was quiet today but mostly in warmer weather there are all sorts of wildlife visible. From there we had our Cherry Pie then looked at more of the displays. My favorite was about the restored school house up the road. I hope one of the times we go back it will be open to explore.

We left and headed towards home – took a detour to Leechburg and found a new little cafe to have lunch. Well, actually breakfast! Shannon and I had eggs and toast, bacon and homefries. Di had an omlet, potatoes and toast. It was very good. We parked right beside the Kiskiminetas River – a tributary of the Allegheny.

I came home and felt like I needed to take a walk – we sat so long in the car – going and coming back – and then ate a pretty nice meal – so I needed to walk it off. Now I am typing and will finish ironing. Gen called me last night to give me the name of a Prime movie to watch – she said it reminded her of Mom and John’s farmhouse! (Although it is sci-fi.) So I’m going to try to find the movie (Night Sky) and start watching that if I can. And since my little self is a whimp and not used to getting up at 5:15am I’ll probably go to bed early!

Fun things to do in Maine: beaches/state parks

Scripture about sunrise:

Quote about sunrise:

PEANUTS POST – sunrise:

Top song of 1998: MY HEART WILL GO ON – Celine Dion (from TITANIC)

TOMORROW February 26th is:

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day; National Set a Good Example Day; National Pistachio Day; National Letter to an Elder Day.

Tomorrow I need to write out a few cards and pick up some things at the store for the week. Also plan to take a walk, somewhere. A quiet start to the week. Have a happy one! God bless…

As Bud would say: 10 months from today is Christmas EVE!! Get out the decorations and let’s go shopping…

I did some house chores this morning, then took a chilly walk (34*) after breakfast. It was cloudy and a bit windy so I was happy to get back inside. I ordered and picked up a Jioio’s pizza (my favorite!) and headed over to Kathy’s. After lunch we went through the Williamsburg website EVENTS page and tried to put together a vacation agenda. It was a little confusing and seems like all the programs weren’t posted yet for April. We’ll keep watching the program postings and get back together the week before Easter. We still have several items to work through.

When I got home at 5pm, I worked on some emails and laundry, and got organized for our hike in the morning. Cherry Pie hike! We went last year and it was very nice. I’ll have pictures and details tomorrow!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture about travel:

Quote about vacation:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1997: CANDLE IN THE WIND – Elton John

TOMORROW February 25th is:

National Clam Chowder Day; National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day.

I love chocolate covered nuts, especially from Donna’s store in Smicksburg. Yum. And tomorrow is 10 months until Christmas day! Enjoy your weekend. God bless….