It was a beautiful day! The temps got up to 74*. I got to take a 2.2 mile walk this afternoon on the Five Star Trail after I took Chrissy to work. I haven’t been down there in a while. Even though I’ve posted pictures before, I enjoy seeing my old neighborhood (or part of it!) so I’ll post again.

But let’s back up. It was amazing to see the sun shining in my window when I woke up. The sunrise was beautiful as it peeped through the clouds! I took advantage of the sunshine and snapped a picture of my own daffodils popping up, and also of a stone that shifted and is trying to roll down the yard. Next nice day I will dig out the pond stone and replace the stone.

I worked Jeannette and had my daily chat with Sir Regis, then stopped in Greensburg. Also stopped at Mike’s and did a few things for him, then got gas in my new ride. It’s been almost five years since I’ve had a Mazda CX5 and this one is fully loaded! I’m totally spoiled – and blessed! – and I love it! I think my favorite thing is that the MPH displays on the front windshield! Never even HEARD of that before!

My second favorite thing, which I’ve missed with the last several cars, is the little alerts on the side mirrors that tell you not to switch lanes as there is a car there. It is a little orange image of a car, and if you try to change lanes the car beeps at you. Such a great safety feature! I know the idea is to sell cars but I hope they don’t get a customer on this for a while! I’m in love!

I cleaned up the outside a little bit, sweeping up dead crunchy leaves so the driveway and patio in the back looks a little better. I ‘moved back into’ my new car and got everything put away.

Byron called last night and he is coming down on Wednesday with his work crew and they are going to add some electrical outlets and new breakers for my downstairs. I keep tripping the breakers because the whole basement is on the some circuit, and there are eight outlets down here. I’m very excited to get this done.

Tomorrow Kathy and I are having a vacation planning meeting. My job for this evening is to make a list of things we need to discuss, including what we want our custom tee shirts to say (courtesy of Kelly’s PLC Design!).

Fun things to do in Maine: Museums

Scripture:

Quote about blessings:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1996: MY MARIA – Brooks and Dunn

TOMORROW February 24th is:

National Tortilla Chip Day; National Tarter Sauce Day; National Skip the Straw Day.

Tomorrow, as mentioned, I am having lunch with Kath and we are discussing vacation. Then I have to get organized for a very early Saturday morning hike with Di and Shannon. That will be enough! Have a happy weekend. God bless….

Today is Ash Wednesday. I saw several people with ash dots on their foreheads. I love the focus and the direction of those thoughts. I got up earlier than usual for a Wednesday, had breakfast, and started cleaning. I cleaned the entire upstairs and part of the downstairs before I had to leave for Hanna’s Town and the Volunteer meeting. There are a lot of things on the schedule already, and many different opportunities to help out this year. There was a whole table of new people attending and that was very encouraging!

I got home from that meeting at 3:30pm and finished cleaning, then took a walk. It’s been cloudy and rainy all day but there was a break in the rain that gave me the chance to walk outside instead of going to LAF or the Mall. I like the fresh air best! A neighbor up the street (I don’t know them) had a baby girl some time today, as the signs weren’t up yesterday when I walked. Congrats to them!

I also noticed that many daffodils were up a good ways, and found these little guys already blooming!

PEANUTS POST and scripture are the same post:

Fun things to do in Maine: Trails –

Quote about Peace:

Top song of 1995: When you Say Nothing At All – Allsion Krauss

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

National Dog Biscuit Day; National Toast Day; National Tile Day; National Chili Day; National Banana Bread Day.

Lots of eating going on tomorrow! I will work in the morning, and then take Chrissy to work in the afternoon as Jen and Nate are both working. My kitchen rug fell completely apart so maybe in between I’ll try to replace it. Have a good day – God Bless!

I worked in Jeannette but didn’t have to go to Greensburg – Joe is still away. I left Jeannette and stopped at Staples, as they are closing and everything is 50% off. I bought a new wrist rest for my computer keyboard – the old one was falling apart. Also bought my favorite go-to list-makers: 3×5 cards! And in NEON colors! I’m a ‘colors’ girl.

I took a walk when I got home, because it had quit raining and the sun was out. It was very windy so I bundled up. The sky was dramatic, and we all know I love clouds!

After lunch (salad) I made cream of potato soup to use up the rest of the milk and the potatoes. It’s like an old story by now – I’m always making potato soup. But it’s yummy and I’m happy with that. It will get me through many meals. And I still have my pot pie, too. Meatloaf is finished.

Barry told me he planned to switch cars for me on Thursday so I took everything out of the Buick and piled it in the garage. I’m thinking he’ll put me in the Mazda CX 5 but that depends on if they’ve had interest in it.

I’m working on cleaning out my WORD files on my computer. I’ve spent hours already and I’m only on the ‘D’s’! Some things I don’t even know what they are so I have to open them and read before I know if I should delete, move to a folder, or just leave where it is. Very time consuming but long overdue. It’ll keep me busy!

Fun things to do in Maine: Appalachian Trail

Scripture about the sky:

Quote about the sky:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1994: I SAW THE SIGN – Ace of Base

TOMORROW February 22nd is:

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day; National Supermarket Employee Day; Ash Wednesday; National Margarita Day; National California Day.

Tomorrow I have a meeting at Hanna’s Town, then Bible study in the evening. In between I will try to do a little cleaning. And take a walk… Have a happy day. God bless…

Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was the first U.S. president. Here’s to the wonderful men – all of them – who have led this country for almost 250 years!

I had my semi-yearly dental checkup this morning – first time in decades that I have had a full slate of teeth and had no pending or ongoing dental projects! And everything was fine; no warnings or potential hazards rooting (dental joke). I was happy with the outcome and the cost of the visit!

From there I went to work in Jeannette, then on to Greensburg. Since it was raining (lightly) I stopped at the mall and walked there. It was much more comfortable. Lots of spring colors and displays in the store windows, except in front of the casino. They are still in winter mode!

I ate lunch, did laundry, and answered emails when I got home. Once I post this I plan to tweak a story I’m working on. Then do the ironing. Such an exciting life I live!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture:

Quote about leadership:

PEANUTS POST:

Top country song of 1993: PROP ME UP BESIDE THE JUKEBOX IF I DIE – Joe Diffie.

TOMORROW, February 21st is:

Fat Tuesday; Paczki Day; National Pancake Day; National Grain Free Day; Fastnacht Day; National Sticky Bun Day.

I’ll take the sticky bun! Or, maybe the pancake. Tomorrow should be a calm and quiet day – we can only hope. Be blessed!

Sunshine – always a blessing…

We had five kids – count them! – FIVE! in our class this morning. Josie and Jack were visiting from out of town (Max is their cousin), and Gracie was there, and Ben. There is volumn in numbers – in more ways than one. They did really well listening to the lesson, and Mary played a question/answer game with ping-pong balls. We learned what TRUSTWORTHY means and I think they did pretty well.

The message this morning was about putting God first – in your giving. Of tythe, time, talent, energy — Todd had strong points and I’m sure that many people are thinking a little deeper than they had been previously. Do we give God the leftovers or our best? Mostly we keep the good stuff for ourselves. Malachi 3:10 says we should test God – are we up to the challenge?

After Church I went for a windy walk through the neighborhood. The wind was so strong the flag was flying straight across. I took a picture of my house – It’s in the second row back behind the house with the brown roof. Sort of behind the trees…

On the way to the Hymn Sing I dropped Kyle’s cookies off at Kathy’s for Sarah to pick up. There weren’t many people in attendance but the singing was great and the fellowship was fun. Patty (of course) played the piano – – she can play anything and you can’t stump her! — and Mary, Diane, and Jim were the song leaders. There were a lot of special requests from the audiance. WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS was requested by someone who couldn’t even attend! My friend Janie (when we were in youth group) is out of state this weekend but still wanted us to sing that song. MANSIONS OVER THE HILLTOP is one of my favorites – it’s the only time that I can remember Kathy and I singing a duet ( I played the paino!) – again we were in youth group. It was a lovely afternoon. I decided (and asked for) a hymn sing for my birthday on June 18th! It’s a Sunday so that will be the perfect party – everyone singing hymns and praising together in song! Can’t wait!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture:

Quote about singing:

PEANUTS POST:

Top hit in 1992: I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU – Whitney Houston

TOMORROW February 20th is:

National Muffin Day; National Leadership Day; National Comfy Day; Presidents Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Love Your Pet Day.

Lots of good choices. I am guessing some of you have tomorrow as a holiday. Car dealers stay open for everything (almost)! Have a wonderful day! God bless….

I left the house this morning at 10:45am, and dropped some things off to Mary on my way to the church. I stopped at Goodwill quickly and found a Scrabble game for a few dollars. If you remember yesterday’s post, I found those cute little Easter decorations made from Scrabble tiles and glitter. So now, I just need a visit from my daughter and we can get creative.

It started out that there were four of us working on setting up the fellowship hall, but within an hour we added four more. There was lots to do, setting up tables, food, desserts, drinks, etc. We actually had a good time, talking and sharing and working. The family started coming in about 1pm after the funeral and the graveside service. We were on the go, and on our feet until after 3pm when everyone cleared out. There was so much food, and it was all wonderful. We have such loving and generous families to share their time and talents with those who are grieving.

I had planned on walking at the Mall or even going to LA Fitness, but after being on my feet for four hours I didn’t think it was necessary. It was sunny and bright enough that when I got home I took a walk, anyway – but only about 1.25 miles. That was enough. I decided to spend my early evening making oatmeal raisin cookies, which are now tucked safely in the freezer, with a few set aside for Sarah’s family. Kyle said they were his favorite! I’ll try to get the cookies to him tomorrow or Monday.

My supper was a piece of left over chicken from church, and it’s sitting like a lump in my stomach. I think I just need to get up and move around a little bit!

Fun things to do in Iowa: Visit with friend Janet, Kyle, Josiah, Noah, and Anaya Drown! Miss those guys!

Scripture –

Quote about mourning-

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1991: Unanswered Prayers – Garth Brooks

TOMORROW February 19th is:

National Arabian Horse Day (our first horse was Li’l One, and he was Arabian); National Lash Day (eyelash); National Chocolate Mint Day; National Vet Girls Rise Day.

Tomorrow is a Hymn Sing at church with Patty Buschek. Can’t wait. It’s always a wonderful time! Have a great day – God bless…

I had a lot of little projects to do today. After breakfast I started laundry, then went to L&L. I was sort of looking for a metal, outside Bistro chair for my deck. I’m not in any hurry. Saw these cute little Easter scrabble blocks. I wish I was creative enough to do that myself!

From there I went looking for capri jeans. I know it’s still a while to spring, but I wanted to get the jump on it before the last minute. I actually found two pair – and the total cost was $9.88! Not bad. The light denim with the stars were not the perfect size, but I knew I could sew them up to what I wanted, and I did. Now I’ll throw them in the wash and I’m set!

Picked up a few items at the grocery strore. Since the weather didn’t cooperate with outside activities, I got myself together and went over to LA Fitness. I didn’t get too creative; I just did 2.5 miles on the treadmill. I plan to try out other maches and get a routine going eventually, but I’m stepping into things slowly.

Last night I cleaned the panels that cover the overhead lights in the basement. They had dead bugs in them and that makes me crazy. I didn’t realize how many cobwebs were hiding in there, as well. So all clean!

I also gave all the little Amish people a good soaking in hot soapy water. Now everything is clean – for the time being!

I had filling for Pot Pies in the freezer, so I defrosted that and made one for supper. It’s just finishing in the oven so when I’m done posting this I’ll have supper.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

PEANUTS POST – also scripture:

Quote about kindness:

Top song in 1990: U CAN’T TOUCH THIS – M C Hammer

TOMORROW February 18th is:

National Drink Wine Day; National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day; National Red Sock Day; National Battery Day.

Tomorrow I’m helping with a funeral luncheon at church, and I might just have to wear red socks. Hoping to see some sunshine tomorrow! God bless…

It was partly sunny when I left for work, and spent the first 1/2 hour in Jeannette. Then I headed to Greensburg and had a delightful time there with Ken and Rege (who was filling in for the vacationing Joe). We always seem to have interesting conversations. By the time I left there it was pouring down rain, something I hadn’t expected.

After stopping to pick up something from Di, I was heading home when Mike P called me to do a deal. So I altered my course and headed there. I was home close to noon, and I changed clothes, made lunch, stuck a meatloaf in the oven for later, and took a walk (since it had quit raining).

Colonial Williamsburg sent out a valentine video about Colonel and Martha Washington: how they met, their courtship and marriage, and the subsequent 10 years (yes, it was a character portrayal) since their wedding. Colonel Washington has a delightful sense of humor, and the video did a great job sharing their story. One thing I found interesting is that when a husband/father dies, even though the children still have their mother, the children are considered orphans.

It makes sense, since one of the reference books I have from the Civil War is about Orphan Schools, where children of soldiers killed or missing in the war attend – even while their mother is alive. Charlie and Alice attended the Orphan’s School in Mercer, and their names are in the book. (Daniel and Mary’s children, LETTERS TO MARY.)

I have a few afternoon chores to finish but will close this up now. Maybe tomorrow will be more exciting!

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture about orphans:

Quote about orphans:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1989: LOST IN YOUR EYES – Debbie Gibson

TOMORROW February 17th is:

National Cabbage Day; National No One Eats Alone Day; National Caregivers Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

We can all be kind, which includes asking someone to eat with you! Just so it’s not cabbage… Have a lovely Friday – God bless…

Started my day with my follow-up with the surgeon from my November surgery. She was very pleased and said everything looked wonderful. She took a little bit of dried skin from behind my ear, and I asked her about the little spot on my forehead. She said it was nothing to be concerned about and that my summer dermatologist appointment should be soon enough to check it out.

Nate txt me that his follow-up went well. He got the staples out and everything looked like it was healing as it should. He can change the bandage himself and go back to work.

Kathy had a checkup today, and got the go-ahead to attend their class reunion at JBC next week. She got two prescriptions for side issues, as well as an appointment with the kidney doctor for Friday. So everyone got good news. God is good, all the time!

I came home and did my standard Wednesday cleaning. Kath stopped on her way back from her checkup and we solved half of the world’s problems — well, maybe not solved them, but at least hashed them out! It was nice to sit and catch up for a little.

After I was done cleaning I took a walk. The creek down the road was clear and bright, and I could see some little fishies swimming around. The sun at the top of the one hill was so bright it looked like a bright ball of fire. It was so warm today, over 70*. I loved it! But as it’s only February I’m thinking we will still have some winter weather.

Bible study is still in Ephesians – about God’s grace and our acceptance. We can’t save ourselves – we just have to accept his gift. Great truths. I always park by the gazebo and leave room for others in their driveway and in front of the house. Amy brought pineapple upside down cake and I can’t TELL you the last time I had that. Yummy!

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture:

Quote:

Peanuts Post:

Top song of 1988: El-Shaddai – Amy Grant

TOMORROW February 16th is:

National Almond Day; National Do a Grouch a Favor Day.

I can be crabby – so maybe someone will be doing me a favor! There’s almond flavoring in the scones so maybe I’ll have one for breakfast! Otherwise – it’s a work day! God bless….

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my sweet friends, faithful readers, and family. Love you!!!

It was a beautiful day – a gift in itself! Everyone else must have thought so, too, because there was a lonnnngggg line of traffic by the Church corner. I thought there was an accident but everything was clear. A good day to be going somewhere, I guess! I worked in Jeannette and then helped Brian at N Greengate with some titles. From there I stopped at the bank and post office, then home for lunch.

Oh! But on the way home I popped back into L A Fitness to switch my account. I got that set up and the app installed and I’m all set. I met a cute Valentine puppy. She had been at the groomers all morning and had on a sparkly heart neckerchief. And Teresa posted a Valentine greeting from GiGi. Cute!

After lunch I took a walk; I did the ironing, then waited until the end of the day and put away the Valentine decorations. I will switch out the outdoor flags tomorrow after my doctor’s appointment – have a follow up for my November surgery.

But guess what? I FOUND MY FLAG BOOK! I was sad about mis-placing it during the Christmas season. I was looking for a different set of battery lights and when I took the box down to find something there it was! So everything is back in its happy place.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture about finding the lost –

Quote about finding the lost –

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1987 – WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN – The Bangles

TOMORROW, February 15th is:

National Wisconsin Day; National Gumdrop Day; National Flag of Canada Day; International Angelman Day; Singles Awareness Day.

I’m very aware that I’m single. Not a gumdrop girl nor have I ever been to Wisconsin. I’ll just stick close home and have a fun day. God bless! (PS – go buy candy; it’ll be 70% off!!!)