This will be short — I spent all day putting Christmas items away and setting the house to rights. I even moved furniture around. I love the way it opened up the room, and once the treadmill is gone it will be (as Grama Violet used to say) ever so nice.

It was such as beautiful day, with the sun shining and the temps close to 60*. I looked out the window at one point and saw my four-legged neighbor just standing in the sun! He (she?) looked happy and content.

My small tree was a pre-lit tree but the entire tree was out by the time I took it down. So I cut the old string off – what a mess. But it will make decorating it next year much easier with them gone.

My goal – before I quit for the evening – is to get the lights all down. That means five windows and the hallway doors. So I’d better get cracking. Hoping to finish early afternoon tomorrow. Happy New Years’ Eve-eve!

December 30 – Did you ever make New Year’s resolutions? “Yes. They were things that would make our life & the whole family’s life better. Examples: 1) Come when first called to come. 2) Don’t bit my finger nails. 3) Read more, especially the Bible.”

Calendar inspiration – Tolerance and acceptance gently soften the imperfections of the world.

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TOMORROW December 31st is:

New Year’s Eve; Make Up Your Mind Day; Universal Hour of Peace; Leap Second Time Adjustment Day; National Champagne Day.

Enjoy your last day of 2022, and do something nice for someone else. God bless!

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Sister! Today is a great day to celebrate my best friend, sister, and my biggest support and ‘advisor’. We hold each other up, travel together, share joys and sorrows, and rejoice in each other. Happy birthday, dear sister! Susie Squirrel is impatiently waiting for her 6-month turn at your house — We’ll get there. Enjoy your day and celebrate YOU! Love you!

So, other than Kathy’s birthday, this has been a wild day! It started with a phone call from Joe about 7:30am – my friend locked herself out of her house wearing PJ’s, boots and a winter coat. She found a neighbor that was awake but didn’t remember my cell number and didn’t have her phone. She called my work, and ended up talking to Joe, who called me. I hurried to get dressed and rushed over to let her and GiGi back in their house. I stayed for tea and banana bread and great conversation. It may have been unplanned but it was a nice visit.

I went from there to the Greensburg store and helped Joe with an ongoing PENNDOT issue. Then, to help Mike out, and on to Jeannette. There were several strange things there, and by the time I got home it was after 1pm. but I ended up with a ‘rescue payment’ of squash soup and cornbread so that was lunch.

The next few hours I took down all the outside decorations and put up the blue lights on the back deck. Then I attacked the tree. I had put extra lights on when several sets burnt out, and what a tangle! And only I could break out from undecorating an artificial tree! So I’m taking a break to post, then back to the project. And that will be my day!

December 29 – Is there anything else that you would like me to know about MY childhood? “You were always ‘directing’ the neighbor kids in plays you either wrote yourself or adapting plays already written. You always took care of your books & things. When Kathy came along it was a challenge for you to keep them from being abused. We did our best.” I love her, anyway!!!

Calendar inspiration – As you move toward the coming year, focus on your goals and plans.

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TOMORROW December 30 is:

Falling needles family fest day; Bacon Day, National Bicarbonate of Soda Day.

I’ll celebrate bacon! No needles with an artificial tree! Have a happy weekend. God bless…

TODAY is my niece Sarah’s birthday! She is a very special, loving, caring young lady, and I’m so happy that she’s happy! Have a great day with your family, Sarah. Love you!

I had two work issues to handle this morning, and had to call People’s Gas about a double billing, and then I bundled up (over my PJ’s!) and cleared the snow from the driveway. It warmed up enough that by mid- afternoon the rest was all melted. For breakfast I had the Christmas tree brownie that I got as a thank you for teaching the kiddos at church!

Today was our family Christmas. Kelly’s family got here about 10am, and we spent most of the day cooking and baking, and even doing a craft. We made brownies, then ran over to Walmart. Peyton went along because he needed accessories for his ‘new’ 1985 Ford truck! My Christmas tree lights keep going out, one string at a time, so I took advantage of half-price sales and bought a few new sets. All ready for next year.

Kelly and I took the painted Peanuts ornaments that Lori found at a Thrift Store and tied them to a wooden garland. They look really nice.

Then Logan and Kelly helped me get all the decoration boxes off the shelves in the garage, and they will be ready for me to start taking things down. Hard to believe it’s that time, even though they have been up a whole month. Some of the items I will hate to put away (favorites) but I really am ready to get the house back to ‘normal.’

We opened gifts while we were waiting on dinner. Kelly’s family got me a gift card to Colonial Williamsburg for our vacation in April. That was very exciting! So with my new Snoopy blanket, Amazon gift card, and Williamsburg gift card – I’m certainly set!

We had a really yummy meal: Ham, potatoes and carrots, potato salad, deviled eggs, roast chicken, two kinds of noodles, veggie pizza, corn, rolls, mozzarella sticks, brownies and cookies. And we really enjoyed visiting with each other.

I am also entirely exhausted. It’s been a very busy few weeks. Once I un-decorate the house and get everything cleaned, I am taking a few days off!

December 28 – Is there anything else you would like me to know about your childhood? “I was always ‘busy’. I liked to do things that kept me moving around. My older sister Hazel liked the work in the house. I liked to be out in the garden in the summer. My brother left me follow him around & I have always been glad I had him to teach me about nature, animals and sports.”

Calendar inspiration – Any time is a good time for visiting.

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TOMORROW December 29th is:

National Pepper Pot Day; Tick Tock Day.

Tomorrow I have to work, then start taking the house apart. It’s also my sister’s birthday. Focus on something fun tomorrow! Enjoy visiting! God bless…

Even though I haven’t sat down all day, I don’t have much to write about. I checked in with Joe and Sir Rege this morning early, and I did not have to go in to work. Joe just called me, though, and there is a problem with some license plates. So that means even though I don’t have to physically go into work, I will be on deck first thing in the morning!

I had errands to run (I thought I was done!) and while I was out I stopped at L&L Fleatique, just for fun. Spent about 45 minutes walking through the booths, but didn’t see anything that I felt compelled to purchase. I liked this little candle display, but wasn’t really a fan of the Santa. I came around the corner and he startled me! There were still a lot of Christmas items — but Walmart has their Valentine’s candy, decorations, and cards out already. Not much Christmas stuff left.

I noticed yesterday after I got home from work that my grass-mowing neighbor has all his Christmas decorations taken down and put away. I’ll do mine this weekend. But he was first thing, right on it. I’m guessing the sun had barely risen…

BUT — after breakfast I boiled more eggs and then made up the potato salad. I made a little with no eggs because Jen doesn’t eat meat or associated products. So that’s done. Then I scrubbed both bathrooms, cleaned the floors, dusted what needed it, washed a load of towels, and took the trash out. So I’m basically ready for tomorrow. Trust me, there is a list for tomorrow, in addition to calling PENNDOT!

It did warm up today – right now at 6:02pm – it’s 28*. The driveway is clearing itself off, so I’ll see what it looks like in the morning and if necessary I’ll clean it off. OR – – I’ll wait until the family gets here and have the boys do it! And last night, after I posted, the little under-the-deck rabbit was bouncing around outside. The picture almost looks fake!

December 27 – Do you remember celebrating any special wedding anniversaries of your parents or grandparents? “We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Grandma & Grandpa Eakman with an open house at their farm. I think it was around 1947. Grandma wore the ‘gold dress’ to your dad’s and my wedding. We celebrated my mother and dad’s 40th wedding anniversary. We made a money ‘tree’ & had cookies.”

Calendar inspiration – Sometimes we need help with our goals. Thank those who help you and offer help to others, as well.

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TOMORROW December 28th is:

National Short Film Day; Holy Innocents day; National Card Playing Day; Pledge of Allegiance Day; National Chocolate Candy Day.

I can get behind the candy thing. Chocolate is a good thing. It’s also our family Christmas! Everyone will be here. Have a happy Wednesday. God bless…

It’s warmed up a bit – about 20*. It is lightly snowing right now and I will probably have to clear the driveway in the morning. Don’t want a repeat of Sunday.

There were no deals in Jeannette and none in Greensburg- but then the stores were closed for the holidays and I was caught up before hand. When I left Greensburg, Joe was working on accounts and Ken was plowing the lot – with a flat tire on the plow truck. He didn’t even realize it! I had to flag him down.

I stopped at Walmart to get what I needed for the rest of the week. And I really needed some strange items: A new extension cord, an ironing board cover, a whole case of Coke for Wednesday, upholstery tacks, a three-way plug, and a partridge in a pear tree. Well. No partridge.

But I did get the Snoopy and deer to light again. It WAS the extension cord and those little buggers under the deck DID chew through it! Ugh! I also changed the ironing board cover because the old was was ripped up.

Nate came over and helped me with a few chores – it was wonderful! We moved the computer desk back over by the door, and now I have a view outside when I sit and work. I should never have moved it in the first place, but I think I appreciate it more now since I did without it for several years. Here is my view both outside and behind me to the rest of the room!

After we moved the desk, he helped me re-cover the upstairs bar stools. I used the other half of the curtains I ordered for the kitchen and they look really nice. So thankful he could do that, because I can barely hammer a nail to save me! They look so fresh and inviting.

So here is a recap of our Christmas at Nate’s. Chrissy showed me all her gifts – she got a canopy for her bed, new sheets, candles, pens, make up and skin care. She was very happy with her gifts. Autmn and Noah came too, and she got a mattress and frame for her bed, and make up and skin care, and a candle, and a new purse which she was very excited about. Plus candy in her stocking. Such a fun night with the kids and animals!

Nate & Jen and Sherree gave me my gifts to open last night – Sherree gave me a great stoneware bowl (specifically for heating my potato soup, which she’s desperate to try!) and a ‘Christmas Movie Watching’ Mug. Jen and Nate (in addition to a WONDERFUL MEAL – thanks you Jen!!!) gave me Red Door, an Amazon gift card, and a new Snoopy blanket. I love it to death! It’s non-seasonal so it will stay out all year.

I walked up to get the mail but there wasn’t any. Not even sure they went today. But the projector ‘spilled’ the extra red and green dots on the snow!

December 26 – Share any other Christmas memory. “The year Hazel & I were trying to put the Christmas Tree up in the corner of the living room & for some reason we started to argue. Hazel went off and left me in the corner holding up the tree. My mother finally came in & ‘rescued’ me. Hazel & I were in trouble for the day. We laugh about it yet today.” I wish they were both here to laugh together about it! Miss them!

Calendar inspiration – Every snowfall reminds us to refresh our mood & our view of the world.

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TOMORROW December 27th is National Fruitcake Day.

Certainly not celebrating that! I will celebrate — making potato salad day! Have a happy day – stay warm and safe. God bless…

Merry Christmas! May the blessings of the season be with you throughout the day and through the close of another year. Enjoy!

The day started a little tricky. I had not cleared the driveway anymore because of the severe temperatures. So when I tried to get up the driveway for church – with the additional snowfall last night coating the ice underneath – I was stuck! After numerous tries I backed the car up and parked it. I wasn’t dressed for being outside very long but was able to shovel two paths up the driveway for the tires to ride on – then threw salt just for traction. At that point I crawled right up and out. Whew. First time in almost 32 years that I a) did not go out early and clean the driveway and b) slid to the point of not getting out! Maybe I’ll blame it on the car? ? ?

Church service was very nice. We sang a few carols, then Todd brought the message about ALL OF US needing Christmas. The key point was that the angel said that the baby would be named Jesus and would save us from our sins. Not FORGIVE us of our sin (which he does do, but it’s more than that!). To SAVE US! There is a very huge difference between being forgiven and being freed. Christmas is about grace. We need to recognize that sin kills things, and Jesus saved us from death. We had communion at the end of the service, and during that time Elise Wolfgang sang O HOLY NIGHT. It’s a difficult song to do well, and she did an excellent job. Perfect, in fact. We were all pulled into it. Several people were very emotional.

So when I got home, I changed clothes, then bundled up in layers and went out to clean the walks and driveway. Then I threw salt. Hoping that helps, and by the middle of the week it should be clear. I noticed last night that the flood lights and the Snoopy were not lit, but the icicle lights were on (same plug, different extension cord). I tired to pull the extension cord out from under the deck but it’s frozen to a stone. One place that I grabbed was bare but I didn’t notice and I got shocked. So I’m thinking those little nasty cord-chewing critters living under the deck are at it again. I will pick up a new extension cord tomorrow (hopefully!) and see if that’s the problem. This is the third cord that I’ve lost that way! It’s a wonder they aren’t electrifying themselves!

I am posting early because yesterday’s posts were so late. I was up until almost 1:30am! My plans are to go to Nate’s for supper at 4pm, so I’ll post about that tomorrow. Autmn will be there too so it will be a nice evening! I have A GODWINK CHRISTMAS on in the background.

I hope Santa brought you everything you wished for, because we already know God gave us the best gift of all!

December 25 – Tell about the most memorable gifts I have given you. “The great ‘grandchildren’ who are adding to that gift with great-grandchildren!” Our pleasure, Mom!

Calendar inspiration courtesy of Charlie Brown –

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TOMORROW – December 26th is:

Boxing Day, National Thank You Note day, National Candy Cane Day, National Whiner’s Day.

I’m guessing people are whining because they didn’t get what they wanted! Sending thank you notes is such a kind thing to do. But don’t BOX anyone! Enjoy the last week of 2022. God bless…

Merry Christmas, dear friends and family! 

What a winter we have had – and it’s only been four days!  But it seems like we have had cold and creepy weather since October.  Does that mean spring will come in February?

This year has seen a lot of new adventures, mostly good.  Nate, Jen, Chrissy and Jen’s mom Sherree moved into their new home in Hunker, along with Ninth Life Rescue.  They love their new, very spacious SPACE and have settled in nicely.  Autmn has tried several adventures of her own, but ended up returning – at least for now – to the Bull River Taco shop where she is working and seems to really like it there, while living with her mom and sisters.

Kelly’s family has been doing home renovations – and just currently rebuilt their family bathroom.  It was a much needed upgrade.  Matt left Staples to be sole owner and operator of Lawn Boys Landscaping.  Peyton passed his driver’s test and is happily working for a farm up the road, taking care of animals and related chores.  In addition, I believe he has two steers that he is raising.  Logan will be 16 in April, and Chase is still lost somewhere in the land of Forte Night!  Kelly is busy with everything that even comes near her, from making custom shirts, running 4-H clubs and Shooting Sports, running the house, raising the boys, and running sound at their church.  She makes me tired just thinking about it!

My sister Kathy and her husband sold their home in Ft. Allen and moved into a great little community about 10 minutes from me.  It was a chore to sort through over thirty years of life, but aside from a bump or two (still can’t find her CD’s!) she is happily settled.  I was happy to be part of her team!

And speaking of moving, my friend Gen moved from near Buffalo NY to Albany (her son Chris’s family lives there).  It was a huge change for her, but she has embraced the changes – as well as her 5-year-old grandson Jack and his very new baby brother Declan Graham Morris!  Congrats to all of the wonderful blessings there.

I am very happy to be healthy, despite a November surgery on my neck (all is well and healed!).  I love working for Pinnacle, and the guys are MY PINNACLE GUYS!  I appreciate them; they are the cream of the crop! A lot of time and energy (and often finances!) has gone into maintaining my house and property, but it’s a labor of love.  Still teaching Kindergarten Sunday School and the blessings there are innumerable. 

Next to my family, the Skunk Hollow Girls (10 cousins all together) are my support system.  I’m very thankful for them, and cherish the times we get together for our own version of adventures. We truly share, in hard times and in times of celebration.

It did seem like this Christmas evoked more memories of Mom, times on the farm, Shady Lane, and even out Home – more than last year.  I think last year things were too fresh and our thoughts went to the most recent, harder times spent together.  But now we are remembering all those good times, growing up, vacations, life lessons, holidays; the person that Mom was and will always be to us.  I’m thankful for the transition to happier memories.

It’s quiet here now.  I had Kathy’s family, my cousin Deb and her husband Jim, and Nate’s family here for supper after church.  Blessings!  Earlier I watched Dr. David Jeremiah’s WHY THE NATIVITY on Lifetime and enjoyed it very much.  I turned off the TV in favor of Y108’s Country Christmas celebration and it makes me smile.  Tomorrow I will attend morning church then go to Nate’s for dinner.  We will celebrate as a family on Wednesday.

Wishing each and every one of you a blessed Christmas celebration, with the peace and gift of the Christ Child and His love for you tucked snuggly into your heart and mind.  May 2023 bring joy and gladness, laughter, fun, comfort, and prosperity.  Love and kindness to you each one.   God bless….   M

The wind has died down and it’s actually a few degrees warmer (it’s a whole 10*!) – but nothing to get excited about. It’s still VERY cold. Looking forward to warmer temps, but I felt like I could safely venture out for church. I spent most of the day prepping for tonight’s family supper after church. I had chipped ham BBQ in the crock pot, and the potato cheese casserole in the oven. Everything else was ready to pull out at the last minute.

Nate txt me updates on their day — Jen and Chrissy were decorating cookies. They look pretty fancy, and really yummy. Sugar cookies are something I don’t do well. Looks like they were having fun being creative!

I watched WHY THE NATIVITY by David Jeremiah on Lifetime channel earlier, but otherwise I’ve had Y108 radio playing all day. They have their Country Christmas celebration on, and the variety of songs and artists and interviews are fun and interesting. Oh, and by the way, I really did enjoy WHY THE NATIVITY. Worth the watch.

I was very wary of driving tonight, but the roads were ok. I’m pretty sure there were icy spots, though… Church was very nice. We sang a few carols led by Jim and Dianne. Then Wayne had all the kids up on stage and read the Christmas story from Luke 2. Todd had a good message about seeing the nativity as it was, and not idealizing it. We lit candles and stood in a big circle and sang Silent Night. It was a very lovely service and did focus on the Reason for the Season.

Most likely I will post my Christmas Eve email on here later tonight before I go to bed. So maybe check back. But I will say Merry Christmas to each of you – and have a wonderful, holy celebration — focus on God’s best gift, and give thanks! Love to each of you!

December 24 – Tell about the most memorable gifts you have given me. “When you were 3 years old we ordered a rocking horse (on springs) from Sears Roebuck. Your dad kept calling the catalog department every day. Finally on Christmas Eve it was unloaded from their truck. We picked it up at the side door & went home to a couple hours of putting it together. It was named Trigger & made to look like Roy Rogers’ Horse.” I vaguely remember that horse. I think we had it quite a while!!

Calendar inspiration – Leave holiday stress outside. A calm, peaceful spirit is a wonderful gift!

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TOMORROW December 25th is:

Christmas Day; A’phabet Day (No ‘L’!), National pumpkin pie day.

No pumpkin pie here, but we will joyously celebrate the Reason for the Season, and No ‘L’!!! Have a wonderful Christmas weekend – find something to be joyous and celebrate! God bless…

It’s -6* out there – wind chill is -29* and the wind is ferocious! I don’t mind saying that this weather freaks me out. Hoping the power stays on, everyone is safe and warm, and homes and people stay protected. I have left the water drip in my tub, left the sink doors open to let more heat near the pipes, pulled the blinds down and closed the kitchen curtain. Hoping to keep the house as protected as possible.

Earlier I was boiling potatoes and eggs for the weekend meals, and every window upstairs was steamed over. I walked through the house, listening to Christmas CD’s, and felt like I was in another time zone, because I couldn’t see anything outside!

I mixed up my bread dough and then had lunch, then psyched myself up to get bundled and clear off the driveway. There was almost no snow, but a layer of bumpy ice underneath. I didn’t think it would do any good to throw salt down. It would either blow away or get covered under the next layer of snow. But I felt better that I had at least made an attempt.

Now I am waiting for the bread loaves to rise so I can bake them. I should have mixed it first thing this morning, but got caught up in other chores. So now it will be a later night than I planned – but that’s fine. I can sleep in tomorrow morning!

December 23 – Did your family go to a special church service at Christmas? Tell about it. “When I was 5 years old our church closed & we didn’t go until a few years later to the neighbor’s church. We had Christmas plays & exchanged gifts. When the war started there wasn’t enough gasoline to drive that far & we walked to the Old Mahoning Baptist Church. God was present in all the churches & I always liked to go to worship Him. I still do.”

Calendar inspiration – You can add glow to the season by shining bright with courtesy and kindness.

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TOMORROW December 24th is:

National Eggnog Day, Christmas Eve.

No eggnog for me, but will celebrate Christmas Eve. Hopefully by attending church. I guess I’ll see what the weather is like. Whatever you do, take time to worship the Christ Child! God bless…

What a yucky day – cold, windy, cloudy, raining. I did two titles in Jeannette, processed a deal and a little filing in Greensburg, then stopped at Gabes to see if they had any St. Patrick’s Day blankets – none yet. But, … 🙂

As the temperature was well above freezing and safe to travel, I zipped carefully down to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin and just walked around. They had lots of new and fun merchandise. I bought a little silver bell – it sort of reminded me of Mom because she loved and collected bells.

I happened to catch a glimpse of Snoopy tucked in his little tin bucket with Santa. I think he winked at me…

Got an email notice that my PENNDOT certification needs renewed in January. I think there are four of us who need to take the seminar. Thankfully it’s after the holidays. It’ll be on line – so yea for that.

I have to write out some cards and then trim my finger nails – they feel too long when I type. Then I can get supper and watch a movie. I think I’ll stick in a DVD as there’s nothing exciting on TV.

New temporary use for treadmill – until after the holidays…

Prayer request for today – SH cousin BETH had surgery today. Please pray for her comfort and healing and quick recovery! Love you, Beth!

December 22 – Tell about Holiday celebrations at a relative’s house during your childhood. “At Aunt Effie’s and Uncle Bill’s house we were treated as if we were very special. They had a beautiful tree and very special decorations. They bought us a gift (usually gloves or a scarf) and that was wonderful. They lived in Dayton, PA, which was about 8 miles from home.” Mom always really liked Aunt Effie, even though she was a bit eccentric!!

Calendar inspiration – Whenever the opportunity comes, be read to shine!

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TOMORROW December 23rd is:

International Human Light Day, National Pfeffernusse Day (German cookie), National Roots Day, Festivas, National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.

I can probably manage a movie marathon, but no German cookies. It will be stay-in day if we get the predicted nasty weather. Be safe and be warm and happy. God bless…