I will share stories and pictures of Beef Day tomorrow. It’s late and we had a full day. I’ll catch you up and then get some rest.

The day started a little after midnight, actually, when I got a txt from Kathy. She had a kidney stone and was on her way to the E.R. Good grief, Charlie Brown! It was hard getting back to sleep, concerned for Kathy, concerned for Nate, and concerned that we were down two strong workers for Beef Day! But God always knows best….

Within the next twelve hours, I got updates on Kath that she was in ICU, because of a kidney infection (in addition to the stones) and a more serious infection. It’s very concerning and we would all appreciate prayers on her behalf. She promised to call me tomorrow so we can chat phone to phone.

Nate was home trying to get rest and increase his healing capabilities when he heard a loud pop. He looked out the window to see that their above ground pool had sprung a leak in the liner (it only had about 10 inches of water in it) but water was surging out and down the hill. The liner was old and they have a new one already for spring, but by the time he made certain the water hadn’t damaged anything he was pretty worn out and aching.

I’m thankful at this point that everyone and everything is fine and that Kelly & Peyton made it home safe and sound after a long day. We all need some sleep! Stay tuned tomorrow for Beef Day!

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quote about praying for healing:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1977: Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

TOMORROW February 5th is:

National Shower with a Friend Day; National Weatherpersons Day; World Nutella Day.

Nope to Shower with a Friend. Weatherpersons can’t read God’s mind. And I don’t like Nutella. I’ll eat the chocolate covered peanuts I bought from Donna’s store. Have a great day! God bless…

I decided to change the sheets this morning, as tomorrow we’ll have a time crunch to get on the road early. Beef day! Nate usually runs the show, and because his surgery was so much more severe than anticipated he won’t be able to go. He’s feeling really distressed about that but better to stay quiet and heal. He’s had a rough couple of days and he certainly don’t need to be around all that meat and people and sub-freezing weather!

We have eight people plus Jason so we should be able to accomplish things in a decent time. It’s always a blessing to be together and to reap the fruit of our labor! Don’t be alarmed if there is no post tomorrow. I’ll catch up on Sunday if I don’t have time tomorrow evening.

The scones did get baked, and the laundry done, and the brownies baked and iced. I even had time to run out and grab the last few things I need to tonight and tomorrow.

Now I’m waiting for Kelly and Peyton to come up and we’ll make supper. Peyton requested sliders and wants the left-overs for breakfast!

My phone rang last night at about 7pm, and when I saw Ron’s name on the screen I just knew it was bad news. Unfortunately it was. Ron’s Auntie D (Aunt Darlene) passed away and he was kind enough to call and tell me. Auntie D and I stayed in touch for the most part and met for lunch every few months. I hadn’t heard from her since before Christmas but had seen a few posts on facebook. She loved beautiful, calming scenery pictures like this one:

Auntie D was indeed one of the biggest fans of my writing, and was the first and most enthusiastic promoter of LETTERS TO MARY when it came out. She and Ellen Smail tied for how many books they sold for me! She sold books to people she never even met before! She was lively and happy and loved food – and was on first-name basis with the servers (and sometimes the owners!) of her favorite restaurants, like Pizza Siena, New City Buffet, and even Lapp Family Market in Latrobe. She would email me their weekly specials.

According to Ron there won’t be any servies or announcements, as per her request. It will feel like things were left unfinished, but that was the way she wanted it. She called me ‘Margie-girl’ and got the greatest joy of sharing all sorts of things, including bright colored four-inch paper clips! I think I have half a dozen! Her favorite thing to share was the little travel bottles of hand sanitizer. I will miss our lunches and chats and her unique outlook on life and relationships. It really feels sad that she is gone. I’ll miss you, Aunt Darlene!

PEANUTS POST – and scripture conbined.

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quotes about Missing Someone:

Top song of 1976: Don’t Go Breaking my Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee

TOMORROW February 4th is:

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; National Thank a Mail Carrier Day; National Play Outside Day; National Homemade Soup Day; National Create a Vacuum Day; National Hemp Day.

I like ice cream for breakfast! But it will be way too cold to play outside. I think we’re having homemade soup at Beef Day (ironically, chicken noodle!). And we live in HEMPfield Township so we’re set. Hug someone you love – you never know what tomorrow will bring. God bless…

Well, the little rodent saw his shadow so we have six more weeks of winter. Newsflash – six weeks is the first day of spring! But Phil and I had a fun day together, because we declared it ‘Bring your Groundhog to Work day!’

We went first to Jeannette and notarized a stack of papers for Ken. Then, on to Greensburg to file titles for Joe. We left there and headed home. I did stop at the Dollar Tree (didn’t find what I needed, though) and saw the sign in the windows that our Staples store is closing. I had heard rumors so I guess that’s a fact. Also heard that Aldi is going in there. THAT can’t happen soon enough!

Since I didn’t find what I needed at the Dollar Tree I popped into Dollar General. Phil waited in the car. He fell off the dash – not sure what he was doing…

After lunch he helped me mix up scones, which we’ll bake in the morning. He also is sending a valentine greeting out to everyone…

Now we are sitting at the computer, and he’s drooling over our plans for Williamsburg. I hate to break it to him that he isn’t going. Colonial Snoopy always goes…. After I finish this I’ll answer emails then get supper.

Fun things to do in Texas: Lakes –

Quote about spring:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1975: Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

National Carrot Cake Day; National Day the Music Died Day; National Missing Persons Day; Four Chaplains Day; National Womens Physicians Day; Bubble Gum Day; National Wear Red Day.

We always took Carrot Cake when we went to Mom’s; I’m not into bubble gum at all, especially with my teeth… The Music Died on February 3rd 1959 when Buddy Holly and two fellow singers died in a plane crash. I will wear red tomorrow – to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Have a wonderful day, and be aware! God bless…

After breakfast I changed all the calendars to February, as well as the Peanuts wooden wall one. It always takes some time to figure out what I need to remember, like National holidays and personal obligations!

After I did that, I got out the valentine decorations and started placing them around the house. Last thing I put out was the M&M’s. It’s only the 1st, so I may need more. I’m going to try to keep my hands out of the bowl!

This is the last Valentine Grama Crooks sent me and I’m so glad I have it!

Diane came over about 11:30, and she brought homemade chicken salad (with cranberries!). I had croissants for sandwiches, and we heated up some stuffed pepper soup. She also brought popcorn but we didn’t get around to that! We watched the black-and-white movie ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ and it was very funny. Nice afternoon.

Nate got home from his surgery about an hour ago. He sent me pictures which I won’t share as they aren’t for the squeamish! They dug clear to the skull, behind his ear. He was in good spirits and Jen said he was dancing around the operating room… But I’m sure he’ll have pain and some restrictions, as well as a few side effects. He’s off the rest of the week so he’ll be able to heal up safely. As Aunt Cordelia (Kathy) said, Our poor dear Nathan! Thanks in advance for prayers on his behalf…

We have out first Bible Study tonight on Ephesians. I think the sessions will run through May. That’s all I have planned for the rest of the evening.

Fun things to do in Texas: Museums –

Quote on healing:

Peanuts post:

Top song of 1974: Annie’s Song – John Denver

TOMORROW February 2nd is:

Optimist Day; National Tater Tot Day; National Ground Hog Day; National Heavenly Hash Day.

Ground Hog day is fun – I have four little Beanie Baby ground hogs. They’ll celebrate too. It will be a good day; I’m optimistic about that! Have a happy Thursday. God bless…

The last day of the first month – 2023. The month seemed to fly by. We’ve had warm weather, rain, freezing temps, snow, and occasionally sun! But it IS WINTER!

I didn’t have much to do in Jeannette; Rege and I sat for almost an hour and hashed out the current state of America! We didn’t solve anything but we felt better afterwards. Mike needed a title notarized and I helped Brain and Renee solve some issues there. Then Joe – who isn’t feeling his best this week! – had a deal for me before I left.

I stopped on the way home at Goodwill and dropped off the discarded jackets that I took out of the closet last night. Also dropped off some documents at the Blind Association to be shreaded. It’s free if it’s only a small amount. Next – stopped at Kathy’s to drop off a loaf of bread and the newest Alyssa Maxwell book.

Nate txt me that a friend was getting rid of an old sewing machine and asked if I wanted it. That’s probably the LAST (almost) thing I need but I immediately said YES! They will drop it off next week and I’ll stick it in the garage until I clean it up and decide where to put it!

My friend Diane is coming for lunch and a movie tomorrow so I got most of my cleaning done a little early. Not sure which movie – she ordered an old black and white one through Netflix. It’ll be a surprise! And that was my day!

Scripture about friends:

Fun things to do in Texas: Parks

Quote about friendships:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1973: KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG – Roberta Flack

TOMORROW February 1st is:

National Freedom Day; National Serpent Day; National Texas Day; National Get Up Day; National Girls & Women in Sports Day; National Dark Chocolate day; National Baked Alaska Day.

I didn’t know when I picked TEXAS on Sunday that it would have it’s own day this week! I love dark chocolate – my choice of chocolate! No serpents for ME! Just have a lovely February. God bless…

Today would have been Bill Smail’s 73rd birthday. I think of him often, and I think of Rick and wonder if he is doing ok in their little log cabin on his own. I hope he’s well and keeping busy. I should call him.

I worked both stores this morning, then stopped at the post office for Joe on the way home. They tried to mail old dealer plates back to PENNDOT, and our little local post office (not Greensburg) said the zip code was wrong and they wouldn’t mail them! Greensburg Post Office handled it and now they are on their way! The new ones have a picture of a car on them.

I just got home and made a fruit salad when Rosendahl’s called – they were on the way with my fridge. I stuck my salad aside and got the boxes – emptied out the fridge, then moved all the furniture to make a path from the door to the kitchen. There were 3 guys – two carried the old one out and brought the new one in, and the third handled the water connections for the ice and water dispensers. There are a lot of temperature choices so I’ll have to study the manual.

It took me an hour to figure out where to put everything. This fridge (French doors and bottom freezer) is arranged so differently! I really like it but I feel like I’ll need a map to find where I put things. I may end up making changes as things go forward.

I did a load of laundry and just folded it to iron later. There are a few other chores to do this evening but I just keep going back to peek in the fridge. It should be making ice soon – he said to expect it tomorrow.

Scripture –

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quotes about blessings:

Peanuts Post:

Top song of 1972: AMERICAN PIE – Don McLean

TOMORROW January 31st is:

Inspire your Heart with Art Day; National Hot Chocolate Day; National Backward Day; National Plan your Vacation Day.

Hear that, Kathy? Time to plan! Tomorrow is also the last day of the first month of 2023. Enjoy! God bless…

Rainy cool cloudy day – but I stayed tucked inside and was comfy. Nate came over and found the shut-off valve for the water connection to the fridge’s ice maker and water dispenser so he shut that off. There’s enough ice in there to last until the new fridge comes. Then he fixed the ghost in my downstairs bathroom exhaust fan.

Yesterday morning I came downstairs and the fan was making at rattling noise. BUT — it wasn’t on! I don’t think I’ve turned on that fan in months and months. The switch was turned off. I fussed with it a bit but it took a while for it to actually shut off. Occasionally throughout the last 24 hours it would rattle a bit so I decided to disconnect it. Nate was able to adjust SOMETHING (not sure what!) and it seems ok now. I’ll keep an eye on it.

So after Nate left I got busy with some little chores. First, however, I took about 15 minutes and sat down and read a few chapters of my current book. I’m reading THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN – I’ve seen (and even own) the movie but wanted to read the book. They are very different but I’m enjoying all the background information and history incorporated in the book. Well worth the read!

I organized my little corner shelf where I keep my vitimins and prescriptions and pill travel organizers. That didn’t take long! I answered a few emails, too, and then cleaned off the fridge. Took everything off the top and doors, etc. Cleaned out the freezer and put everything in the one downstairs. Had to leave everything in the fridge as I only have one! I’m so excited for the new one to come tomorrow. I’m not good with change, so I’m sure it will take some getting used to, since it’s bottom freezer and French doors on the top.

My main chore for today – left over from yesterday’s list – was chocolate covered pretzels. Everything went fairly well — until I turned on the faucet and the water hit the lip of the pan and sprayed all over the back splash and my shirt! No harm done but I stopped and cleaned it up. I always put the pretzels in the fridge so they set well before I put them in the freezer. When I opened the door, and smallest tray let loose, slid out like a sled on a hillside and bounced across the floor! Thankfully I had just scrubbed the floor (it was dripped with chocolate and little sprinkles!) so I didn’t mind picking up a few. I tucked them into a seperate container. Bummer – thus is life!

After a second kitchen clean-up, I organized the pantry space downstairs. Sometimes it just gets out of control. I also like it when I can share excess! The kids love fruit snacks…

Todd’s message was about asking for help, and how we feel it’s a weakness. In Genesis – very beginning! – God realizes that Adam needs help RIGHT AWAY. So he creates a helper for him. We were never meant to funcation as isolated individuals – we need to share and help each other. Go back and look up the words to John Lennen’s HELP – it’s spot on! There was so much more – but this will get you started thinking about it. Don’t try to do everything yourself; use your gifts but let others help!

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quote about asking for help:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1971: JOY TO THE WORLD – Three Dog Night

TOMORROW January 30th is:

National Croissant Day; National Bubble Wrap Day.

Tomorrow is also new fridge day! So exciting. Stay warm and safe and happy. God bless…

I was snuggled up in bed reading (I committed to ONE CHAPTER!) and Gen called! I had sent her a long email to catch up and she decided to call instead of email back. It was great to talk in person. She’s enjoying her grandsons and little Declan is 7 weeks old! She posted a picture on facebook and he is for sure a cuddle baby!

After I changed/washed my sheets, showered and had breakfast, I decided to be spontaneous and have a small adventure today. I drove up to Ligonier to see if any of the ice sculptures are still standing. Some of them were still discernable but most of them had broken or melted. It was still fun to walk around the Diamond and take a few pictures.

Since I was so close I went on up to Laughlintown and bought a bag of Snails (pastry cinnamon treat) at The Pie Shoppe. It was so tempting to eat one, but I had my banana instead. On the way back down, I drove up to Linn Run and took a short walk. It was a beautiful, sunny day with bright clouds, but still cold. There was still some snow and lots of mud and slush. The boots I had on were not entirely water proof and I didn’t want to have wet feet.

The drive through Rolling Rock is always amazing. I cannot imaging owning all that and living there! One field had a few horses wandering around. My last stop was at Walmart, and amazingly they did have the things that I couldn’t get yesterday at our store. I also got the supplies I need for next Saturday’s Beef Day outing.

After a late lunch (soup!) I wiped out the inside of the car. I had considered washing it but had turned off the outside water spigots and decided it was too early to turn them back on. I did wipe the windows, too. I discovered that I had some little spring flowers poking up! They look like hyacinths and I hope they don’t get eaten by the vermits or freeze off. Hyacinths and Lilacs are my favorite. Now, other than supper, no other chores. Tomorrow I plan to make chocolate covered pretzels.

Fun things to do in Washington State: Lakes –

Peanuts Post – also the scripture:

Quote:

Top song of 1970: BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER – Simon and Garfunkel

TOMORROW January 29th is:

National Puzzle Day; National Corn Chip Day.

I’d say have some corn chips while you work on a puzzle! OR… make chocolate covered pretzels. Not a national day but it could be fun! God bless….

If I remember back, all those years ago, there were a few hours that were pretty tough for me to get through. But they all seem but a second in comparison to the blessings and joys that this baby daughter brought! I am so thankful for all the years she has enriched my life, and all of those around her. Happy Birthday sweet Kelly — many, many more!

Here are some older photos!

I’m so glad the sun decided to peek out, even for just a bit. Looks like the temperatures are to go up tomorrow, along with the possibility of rain. But you don’t have to shovel rain!

I was excited that my movie came – I used a bit of my Christmas money to order it. This movie is not a category ‘Hallmark’ movie and I really like it. Hope you get the opportunity to watch it. NORTH TO HOME.

When Kelly and the boys were up last week, she made the suggestion to always leave something for Chase to find (like, to hide something somewhere in the house). He’s always finding little things out of season. So I bought a little Stitch (his favorite!) and I will place it somewhere different for every visit. Sometimes I’ll make the hiding place easy; sometimes — hard!

This morning, after breakfast and laundry, I ran a few erands. I had to notarize a title for Mike G; then Mike P sold and delivered a few vehicles so I stopped to do those. A few groceries and then home for a fruit salad for lunch – next: Ironing!

I just heard the mailman, and was happy to see I got the next book in Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mystery series. Kathy and I have been taking turns buying them and so far we have the whole series. This is #10; she’s reading #9 now. I’ll read it when she’s done and catch up before #11 comes out in August – Murder at the Elms.

Fun things to do in Washington State: Gardens

Quote about daughters:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1969: SUGAR, SUGAR – by the Archies

TOMORROW January 28th is:

Data Privacy Day; National Seed Swap Day; National Gift of the Ladybug Day; National Blueberry Pancake Day; Global Community Engagement Day; National Kazoo Day.

To get free seeds, mail a self addressed, stamped envelope to Live Monarch – 2022 Seed Campaign, Po Box 1339, Blairsville, Georgia 30514. In return, you’ll receive 15 or more milkweed seeds for your region. So that’s a good way to celebrate! God bless…

It was a cold, rainy day – but there was snow blowing around here and there. It’s the longest work day I’ve had in a long time. I had a PAA/PENNDOT training webinar for my biannual training. Four of us from Pinnacle took it so we should all be official and much smarter!

I was at my home computer a little after 8:30am. The seminar presenter (whom I’ve heard before) was over the top (and not in a good way). As in the past I found lots of half-errors in her presentation, and she did over-teach most of the topics. By the end of the four hours I was stretched (stressed!) to the limit! When we hit the last screen I had my boots and coat on and was ready to go out the door!

Worked in Greensburg first, as Joe needed something. From there I went to Jeannette, and had several projects. I was home a little before 6pm. In the mail was my Westmoreland County booklet, which lists sites of interest (mostly history-related). Can’t wait to explore some of them. My little grab-a-snack lunch has worn off long ago – so I’m planning supper next!

Fun things to do in Washington State: Parks –

Quotes about parks:

Peanuts post:

Top song of 1968 (year I graduated) – Mrs. Robinson SIMON AND GARFUNKLE – I saw the movie The Graduate.

TOMORROW January 27th is:

Vietnam Peace Day; World Breast Pumping Day; National Big Wig Day; Holocaust Remembrance Day; National Fun at Work Day; National Chocolate Cake Day.

And it’s my lovely daughter’s birthday! There will be pictures tomorrow. Cake? Wigs? Peace? Work? Go for it! God bless…