So— Did you all watch the Super Bowl? I never do. I go to Walmart to do my shopping! No one is there, and it’s so empty! You can take your time, double check your list, make informed decisions. Cool. I had just climbed in bed with my book when I heard a bunch of whooping and hollering. My neighborhood likes to celebrate sports. Well, they celebrate anything if it means they can make noise. I checked my phone and saw that the game was over and the Chiefs won. I also heard a lot of great things about Chris Stapleton and the National Anthem. All true. He did a fabulous job. Also heard as many horrid comments about the half-time show. THAT I didn’t check out.

The sky has been beautiful this week. Here are a few pics that I took, and I’m sharing a few that I pulled off facebook that friends took. God is painting wonderful pictures this week!

But it is wonderful to see the sun shining. I took a 2.5 mile walk after work. I just went outside to check the mail, and the wind is crazy. I thought I’d blow into the next yard!

My friend Helen at church gave me a magazine that featured a story about Charles Schulz and the Charlie Brown Christmas program’s impact on the nation. It was a great read. It shows what influence one person can have. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Schulz’s talent, genius, humor, and creativity. As well as his steadfast faith.

Fun things to do in Iowa: Bridges

Scripture:

Quote about sunsets:

PEANUTS POST

Top song of 1986: ON THE OTHER HAND – Randy Travis

TOMORROW February 14th is:

National Cream Filled Chocolates Day; National Ferris Wheel Day; Valentine’s Day; National Organ Donor Day.

I hope you have a Valentine – even if it’s family or a best friend or someone you are just thinking about. Maybe give someone a call and tell them they are special to you, for whatever reason! Have a happy, blessed day!

I guess my tension last week at Sunday School was all internalized — Max came into class this morning with Valentine cards and candy in a heart for Mary and I. So sweet! His dad said he took the boys shopping for Valentines for their mom/grandmoms, and Max was appalled that he ‘forgot’ about Miss Mary and Miss Marge! He actually picked ours out first! And mine HAD to be Snoopy. It is so cute. After church he came flying up to me with a huge hug. He just melts my heart. My little Valentine!

So after church I stopped at Shop and Save and walked around the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, taking pictures. There was a steady stream of people there. They were taking a pole as to who would win the super bowl: Ketchup (Chiefs) or Relish (Eagles). 6-2 Chiefs in our group!

Dottie was outside with her foster pup, a beagle-doodle mix named Chevy. He’s ready to be adopted and is as sweet as a button, so if you are interested speak up! I’ll get you connected to them.

I went for a walk after lunch since it was in the high 40’s. I need to get back outside and keep moving – fresh air and exercise. I saw a very cute Christmas house – about two months too late!!!

So last night’s Comedy Event was a two-edged sword! The doors opened at 6:30, and April and Quincy had brought 3 big pizzas, 2 shrimp rings, chips and dip and pretzels, and we brought cookies. We visited for an hour and a half – Liz and her grandma Del, Don and Sharon, Joelyn and Rich, April’s mom Kathy and daughter Gabby. It was wonderful – medicine for the soul! I was NOT a fan, however, of the comedians. It was a little too much on the rough side for me. But hearing everyone enjoying themselves and laughing was nice. As usual for me, I didn’t get any pictures of the friends – but the flowers on our table were white and purple (very pretty – again, a blessing) and I snapped a pic of the comedy host. So glad to spend that hour-plus with special friends.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture:

Quote about hearts:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1985: WE ARE THE WORLD – USA for Africa

TOMORROW February 13th is:

National Cheddar Day; National Clean out your Computer Day; National Tortellini Day; National Football Hangover day; Galentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of girl friends: Women all have that one friend who cheers on her female companions. She is their best supporter, listener, and companion. No matter what, she has your back. Celebrate those ladies in your life, ladies! God bless…

After breakfast I met Valetta (tax lady!) uptown to drop off all my information. She’s such a lovely person and so kind and efficient. So glad to have someone I can trust and appreciate!

I changed bed sheets, washed them, and did ironing from yesterday. Watched the last session for the Bible Study on the book of Ruth (it was VERY GOOD!), then listened again to the one for Ephesians. Did a little writing and looked up some details on a reimbursement from Aetna on my dental expenses. It looks like I’m getting two checks. When I checked the mail I did get one today! I’m so excited! The money will be directly funneled to pay off the credit card charges! I’m very grateful.

Di sent me a picture of her daughter Shannon in front of the Weinermobile (Oscar Mayer). I read that it will be at our local Shop and Save tomorrow, so maybe on the way home from church I will drive by and snap a picture for myself! I remember singing their jingle when I was very young! ‘My bologna has a first name…’ (Go ahead! Sing!)

After lunch I went through a box of greeting cards that I have kept for years. There are a lot from Mom, Kath, and Gen. I found a very pretty card that I framed and put in my room. So peaceful and comforting!

I realized I never posted a picture of my Valentine’s day blankets. I’m still a little bummed that there are no St. Patrick’s Day ones…

Fun things to do in Florida:

Scripture about taxes:

Quote about taxes:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1984: I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU – Stevie Wonder

TOMORROW February 12th is:

National Pork Rinds Day; National Plum Pudding Day.

I think I’ll make it Oscar Mayer day! God bless…

There have been so many loving, concerned, and supportive comments regarding Nate’s surgery and Kathy’s illness. Thank you so much. And the comments about every day posts are so welcome! Thanks to everyone for sharing. It’s SO FUN to read them. You guys are so great. (Take a second to read them if you haven’t already!)

I worked today since I had been home since Monday – playing ‘hooky’ while my family was here. I’m caught up for now, but enjoyed getting back to my chores and seeing the guys. Colton even washed my car, which was totally filthy! So it was a great morning.

After lunch I caught up on my cleaning and laundry, and finished just in time to get to the Civic Center to usher for Bear. The play was Sweeney Todd, advertised as a ‘witty, dark musical thriller.’ It was a full house. I didn’t stay for the play but came home and made a salad for supper and now — posting this!

PEANUTS POST is the scripture:

Fun things to do in Florida: Museums

Quote about friends:

Top song in 1983 – BILLIE JEAN – Michael Jackson

TOMORROW February 11th is:

National Inventors’ Day; National Snowmobile Ride Day; National Make a Friend Day; National Peppermint Patty Day (the candy, not the Peanuts character!); National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day; Global Movie Day; National Shut in Visitation Day; National White Shirt/White T-Shirt Day.

Tomorrow for me is finish laundry, meet my tax accountant in the morning, and a comedy show in Latrobe in the evening. It’s been a busy week! God bless —

Today was departure day, so we just kept low-key after breakfast. Kelly had a few things to work on, and in between reading chapters I did some cleaning and organizing. We left the house here about 1:30pm to meet Matt in Washington at Cracker Barrel. I hate to say that the service was not so great – we were seated right away but everything else took forever. Logan and Chase kept busy playing the peg-board games on the table. Matt kept us entertained with stories about his projects. We did laugh a lot!

I stopped at Belle Vernon Gabe’s on the way home to see if they had St. Patrick’s Day blankets. Nope! I guess we are skipping right to Easter…

Greensburg was formally incorporated as a borough on February 9, 1799, making it the first borough in the county. In the early 19th century, Greensburg had very little growth in population. After 1850, Greensburg became a growing county seat with inns and small businesses. Greensburg was names for Nathanael Greene.

The house is quiet, and it feels funny to not have to think about making food or scheduling the day. I always miss the kids when they leave – it feels so empty in the house! I’ll work tomorrow morning, then catch up on the cleaning in the afternoon. Just a quiet evening for tonight.

Fun things to do in Florida: Caves

PEANUTS POST:

Scripture:

Quote about friendship:

(Don’t be deceived: Friends can be any gender, any combination!)

Top song of 1982: THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT – The Tokens

TOMORROW February 10th is:

National Umbrella Day; National Cream Cheese Brownie Day; National Home Warranty Day.

Tomorrow I promised to usher for Bear at the Civic Center. I’ll work toward remembering to do that! Have a wonderful Friday and God bless…

Shower, breakfast, and Walmart. Standard routine. Kelly has a cheer project for one of her groups so we had to get hair ties and ribbon. We came home and made lunch – sliders and mac/cheese and fruit.

While the boys took turns getting showers, Kelly worked on St. Patricks Day joke cards to share at nursing homes and care facilities. We laughed and enjoyed some of the jokes, like this one:

Also got an update from Nate, after his checkup. Was glad to see that he had encouragement and good news! For as extensive as his surgery was, this is a great relief. These unexpected set-backs do just that: Set us back further than we expected!

Kathy’s morning email confirms that she is improving, and that she is indeed taking it slow and easy while keeping busy. I’m still going to monitor things and make sure she has food and help to whatever extent she needs. So good news on both fronts!

Quote from Kathy’s email: I am doing pretty good.  Taking it slow, and feeling like I probably could be doing more, but I am determined to not mess up my future by being foolish right now.  I am being a good patient.  Bob Macik (boss) hasn’t said anything but words of comfort…take care, rest well, etc.  No pressure at all.  SO that is a blessing.  I did look at the WG comments.  So many sweet people.  I appreciate the thoughtfulness. 

We don’t have anything else planned for the day except for the laundry and supper. I’m searching to be inspired to write something fun – so far, falling short!

Fun things to do in Florida: (Submitted by Ron S)-

Kayaking is a popular activity, as there are many lakes and rivers around.

Bicycling and hiking are also very popular; there are biking/hiking trails everywhere, and they go for miles and miles.

For the serious hiker, there’s the Florida Trail, 1,500 miles of adventure. That one’s on my bucket list (Ron).

Scripture:

Quote about celebrating:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1981 (Year Nathan was born): ELVIRA – Oak Ridge Boys

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Bagel & Lox Day; National Giving Hearts Day; National Toothache Day; National Pizza Day; National Cut the Cord Day.

Cut the Cord is the cable cord! I did that over a year ago and it’s a great option (sorry, Xfinity!). I will plan on Pizza for tomorrow and maybe a bagel, but no lox. Giving from the heart is always a good thing – and NO TOOTHACHE! Have a wonderful Thursday! God bless…

Kelly and I got up early – for us! – and after scones for breakfast headed over to get food at Walmart. We came home and got involved in projects.

Last night I got a call from our former minister, and he was out to visit his daughter’s family in Iowa recently. His twin grandsons, Noah and Josiah, were in my Sunday School class for several years. They knew I loved Snoopy, so when they spotted a Santa Snoopy in a Christmas mug they had to get it for me! Mike dropped it off at church and Kelly and I picked it up on the way home. So very cute and what a blessing. A huge thanks to Joe and Noah!

I wanted to take supper to Kathy today so right away we made chicken salad and potato soup. Once that chore was done, we made chicken soup and corn muffins. I mixed up more icing for the scones and that made up our day.

At 2:30pm I took the food to Kathy, then went down to pick up Chrissy and her friend Hope. Chrissy needed pants for work, so we went to Dick’s. She got a black pair, and then a shirt for her and one for Hope. Besties!! Matching shirts for school.

When I got back, the boys had already eaten so Kelly and I had soup. Now she’s working on school projects and I’m typing. Nate has a follow- up appointment tomorrow and I’m hoping he gets encouragement and good news. He’s still pretty restricted. It’s so hard to see Kathy and Nate under restrictions, but that’s the best way to heal completely, quickly! Please continue praying for them. Thank you!

Fun things to do in Florida: Beaches

Quotes about being ill:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1980 – LADY by Kenny Rogers

TOMORROW February 8th is:

National Iowa Day; National Boy Scout Day; National Kite Flying Day.

GO FLY A KITE!!! Isn’t it ironic that I got the gift from IOWA today! How cool is THAT??? Have a super day and God bless – count your blessings!

Just got a message from Kathy that she just got home (4pm). I have no other details but she is happy to be home! I hope to help with food for a day or two but not sure what it will be yet! Thanks for your support and prayers – and please continue them. I’ll keep you posted as I know anything!

From Kathy:

And here is my update. I am so happy to be home. I have to take antibiotics for 12 days to be sure my serious infection is completely gone. When it is totally cleared up, I’ll have a procedure to break up the kidney stone. It is too large to pass on it’s own. No pain most of the time, so that a blessing. l really appreciate all the love and prayers from family and friends. God is good…all the time.

It’s been a quiet morning, which I needed and appreciated. In between working in Jeannette and in Greensburg I stopped at the bank to deposit beef money and got gas in the (dirty!) car. Since I had a little time I stopped at the mall. I got there at 10:45am and the stores weren’t open yet. Life is so different these days. I walked a few loops which was good for me, and took a picture of the middle fountain.

I was really surprised at how empty it was. Other than walkers and a few people sitting on benches, no one was there. I waited for Barbara Ann’s Country store to open at 11am. I really only wanted a Valentine coaster but they didn’t have any so I got a cow. Thought that was appropriate and fitting.

I have this ‘thing’ for license plates ( hazzard of working almost 56 in auto dealerships!). Today I saw four or five license plates with Kelly’s initials in some form, and once there were cars side by side with the letters ‘MBX’ on one and ‘KBL’ right beside it. Ironally the truck in the turn lane had ‘STONEY HOLLOW’ on the side. Yikes! Hmmmm.

There’s a new song out by Megan Moroney called ‘Tennessee Orange’. I really like it, and I like her voice. I looked it up and speculation (neither confirmed or denied) is that it was written about Morgan Wallen. I don’t blame her if she has a crush on him. I do, too, and I’m old enought to be his grandmother!

I thought I’d post early since Kelly’s family will be up this afternoon and it will then get a little busier. Including the fact that other than beef I don’t have much exciting food in the house!

I got a message from Kathy this morning that she is scheduled to come home this afternoon. I haven’t heard anything yet about what time. I will add to the post when I know she’s actually home. Haven’t heard any details of future or ongoing treatment or improvements.

Scripture about home:

Fun things to do in Florida:

Quote about home:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1979: I WILL SURVIVE – Gloria Gaynor

TOMORROW February 7th is:

National Send a Card to a Friend Day; National Periodic Table Day; National Fettuccine Alfredo Day.

I send cards all the time – put seven in the mail today! Have a wonderful Tuesday – God bless…

I think I could have stayed in bed all morning! I just felt – – – out of sorts. I think it was evident in my little SS class. The kids were distracted with everything and anything, and I apparently was too! But we made it through. Possibly the fact that I took them the leftover brownies from the weekend helped my case! We did a really cute craft (thanks Mary!!) and they really liked it. I will try to remember to take a photo next week.

Todd was having issues with his portable mic, but he soldiered through. His message was about saying I love you and that the greatest commandment is to LOVE. It’s not just something you say, it’s something you DO – and it’s very pro-active. Most laws are about things NOT to do; love is something you DO. LOVE is all we need when we get to heaven: Faith and Hope will already be realized, and what we have left is love. DO LIFE; rejoice and mourn. Show up; Just say it; it changes relationships.

I finally got to actually talk to Kathy. She’s moved from ICU into a regular room. She’s feeling better but will still be monitored and treated. Since there was infection she will have antibiotics. The kidney stone will have to be disolved or passed. I will keep you posted as I hear. She’s not a fan of posting details on facebook so I’ll post here. Just check in and I’ll post what I learn. She is feeling very blessed and thankful, as the infection may have spread quicker and stronger had she waited any longer. Thanking God for taking care of her even before she knew what she needed.

(PS – Nate is feeling a little better but still very sore and swollen, and somewhat anxious. I’ll keep you posted there, as well.)

OK – Beef Day. Kelly, Peyton and I left about 7:30am, and stopped briefly in Blairsville to get breakfast for Peyton (special request!). We pulled into UC’s driveway at about 10 ’til 9 and he was watching for us out the door. Greg, Lynn and Sarah were right behind us. Jason and Trent arrived next with a quarter of the cow and we got started. Thankfully they could step in for Nate who couldn’t make the trip because of his surgery. He was very distressed and sad about missing Beef Day, but needed to be home resting and healing. Thanks, Jason & Trent!

Autmn and Noah (on their own) arrived a little after 9:30am. They walked in the door, we handed Noah (who knew no one else!) a knife and got him started. He did well and worked where he was needed. He helped wrap for a while, and he and Autmn did most of the ground beef by themselves. It was a much smalled cow than last year, which was good time-wise (and money wise) but we’ll go through it a lot faster!

Kelly was in charge of wrapping – we took turns helping.

Our main cutters – missing Nate’s expertise!

Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford kept watch. He was our knife-sharpener and kept the cutters efficient.

I took a few minutes when we had a lull in the wrapping department and went to Donna’s store for cheese. Lynn and Sarah already had their lists made out in anticipation. It’s ALWAYS worth the trip over to get cheese and chocolate covered peanuts!

It’s always a blessing to spend the day with family and friends, sharing stories and food and laughter as well as hard work and a job well done. This year was a bit stressful coming together, but the day could not have gone smoother. Thanks to Lynn for the delicious chicken noodle soup and to Greg and Peyton for the natural wit and entertainment! My life is richer today because of yesterday! Thanks to all who pitched in and gave it their all.

We got home about 6pm (after a quick food stop at Chick-fil-A and stopping to put Kathy’s meat in their freezer). Peyton and Kelly helped unload the car and get the beef in the freezer (Sweet Autmn and Noah having transported and delivered Nate’s meat to him). Within fifteen minutes Kelly and Peyton were back in the car for their hour’s drive home. A special thanks to them for making the extra leg of the trip to help. Peyton is a cattle guy (farm guy at heart!) and he really was glad to be there. I was tired, but again felt so thankful and blessed.

Fun things to do in Florida: Wildlife tours –

Quote about cows:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1978: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE – Debbie Boone

TOMORROW February 6th is:

National Chopsticks Day; National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day.

No chopsticks for me – I like yogurt OK. No lame ducks. Tomorrow Kelly and boys are coming for a few days. No beef will be involved unless we eat the spoils of war from Saturday (which we will!). God bless your new week…