It was a crazy work morning. We just found out that a deal sent to PENNDOT in January 2022 was never processed. The dealer never knows; it’s up to the customer to alert the dealer that they did not receive their document. So now, it’s Mystery 101, and starting over. Ugh. In Greensburg I had a nice stack to process and managed that with no issues. But it was after 1pm when I got home. That’s fine – so schedule for the rest of the day. Except that after lunch I made Chrissy’s cream of potato soup. Second batch in 48 hours. She was very excited when I took it down to her!

The afternoon sky was bright and blue and beautiful. And the temperatures were comfortable. It was a really nice day.

Tomorrow is a full moon but it looked full tonight. The clouds around the moon were beautiful!

I’ve always loved looking at the sky – just for the beauty of it.

Fun thing to do in Pennsylvania: Sight & Sound Theater in Ronks, PA. I’ve seen about 5 or 6 productions and they don’t disappoint! So far my favorite was Noah, and then the Christmas story.

Quote from Anne of Green Gables:

Peanuts:

TOMORROW January 6th is:

Epiphany, National Technology Day, National Bean Day, National Cuddle Up Day, National Shortbread Day.

Celebrate the full moon, and the Epiphany! And celebrate all the blessings God gives you daily. YOU are one of mine! God bless…

I spent the morning sprucing up the house, doing a load of towels, making a dessert for the Christmas party tonight. Pineapple/Cherry dump cake. When I left tonight the sky was a strange combination of white and pink and dark blue. It was beautiful.

I had someone come look at the treadmill. She really wanted it. But there’s a catch. We are now trying to work out the logistics of getting it out of my family room and into the garage! Always something. I was sort of discouraged by that.

Wayne & Shelagh’s home is very different than Kathy’s. The rooms are different configurations and accessed differently. She still had her decorations up and it was very festive and fun. There was so much food. We just all had our own little pockets of conversation until everyone was done eating. Then we went around and shared how we initially came to be associated with the Hempfield Church. It was interesting to hear everyone’s stories. I really appreciate this very devoted but eclectic group! There were close to 20 of us there.

Another fun thing to do in Pennsylvania:

Another quote from Anne of Green Gables:

Snoopy says:

TOMORROW January 5th is:

National Screenwriter’s Day; National Bird Day; National Whipped Cream Day; National Keto Day.

Tomorrow I plan to make another batch of potato soup. Who knows what else I’ll get into! Have a great day! God bless…

It’s been cloudy, dark, and rainy all day. Thunderstorms were predicted but none yet. I have the lights on early just for fun and it’s only 5pm.

I got the nicest card from my step-daughter Nancy – the cat on the front was cute but the hand-written message was heart-felt and sweet. I need to send her a note back. She’s missing her sister who died in the fall.

I finally got one batch of cream of potato soup made, and Aumtn and Noah came over and got it. She was very excited. I gave her the rest of the candy cane cookies too. We were talking about our crocus tattoos (which her, Chrissy and I are supposed to get in honor of the Crocus Tea!) and Autmn asked about my favorite Bible verse. I have several, but probably go with I Corinthians 2:9

I had several deals to do in Jeannette, but my CVR system kept blocking my attempts to process. I was on hold with the help line for over 40 minutes! But James, the tech who helped me, go it fixed and I was able to get all three done and copied and filed. Greensburg had two titles to flip. I was glad to be able to come home and work on the soup and do the ironing.

Peanuts post:

Quote of the day:

Another fun thing to do in Pennsylvania: Altoona

TOMORROW January 4 is:

National Trivia Day; National Missouri Day; World Braille Day; World Hypnotism Day; National Spaghetti Day.

I keep hearing ads for hypnotism sessions that help with weight loss and to stop smoking. Wonder how that works. I’ll stick with Spaghetti! But tomorrow is our Bible Study Christmas party that was postponed from December so that will be fun! Have a happy day! God bless…

First day of 2023 work. I had a duplicate title to apply for in Jeannette, and an out of state title to flip in Greensburg. There will be three deals in Jeannette tomorrow, and Joe had a customer in Greensburg when I left. Hoping business is picking up!

On the way home I got groceries, as I went through a lot of supplies in the last week. Everything was so expensive! And so many shelves were bare. I couldn’t find grape jelly, unless it was a super size. Jelly lasts me YEARS so I wanted a small jar. I promised Autmn and Chrissy both Cream of Potato soup so I’ll make a batch tomorrow. Beth was posting old pictures of our parents that she was going through. One of Mom and John on the slide. Do you think they actually went down it, or just posed? Hmmm. Also trying to figure out Beef Day….

I put a mini-heater under my desk and it helped considerably. And it doesn’t throw the circuit with both heaters running since this one is so tiny.

There was a bag hanging on my front door when I got home – it was a gift from my friends Don & Sharon. I was sorry I missed seeing him – but it was a lovely surprise! Don worked at Smail’s even before I started there. So it’s a very long friendship!

Also, at Walmart I ran into a former co-worker from Smail’s – Ralph – who had some health issues and was just recovering. It was so nice to see him, and hear about his 3 young dogs and their antics! One of them ate one of his ear buds! That dog is walking on thin ice…

Even though I didn’t get all my receipts and documents yet, I went through last year’s records and pulled out what I’ll need for taxes. I needed to empty my filing basket so it’s ready for January 2023.

Another fun thing to do in Pennsylvania: (I’m still trying to figure out what all to post. Just stumbling my way through for a while!) Phipps Conservancy in Pittsburgh at Christmas.

TOMORROW January 3rd is:

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day; National Drinking Straw Day.

Mom loved chocolate covered cherries. Someone always got her a box at Christmas. I like straws…. Have a happy Tuesday! God bless.

Happy New Year! I truly hope that this new year brings you hope — joy, peace, good health, and friendship. God holds you in the palm of His hand.

Wayne preached this morning, as Todd is on vacation. He talked about Joshua being strong and courageous, and about making careful choices. It was an encouragement to make the most of the new year stretching out in front of us.

I came home after church, ate a quick lunch, and started cleaning. The house was so dusty and dirty. It’s 7:40pm and I just finished; the load of towels is in the dryer. Once this is posted I will eat the stuffed shells Kathy brought over to me.

Kath stopped in the afternoon to finally get her ‘birthday present’ – aka Susie Squirrel dressed for her six month stay at Overview Circle. Kath had been talking about playing church when she was very small, and singing Christmas Carols. So I dressed Susie up in a cape and hat, gave her a Christmas carol book, and sat her by the church. I’m sure Kathy & Susie will have a wonderful time singing together!

And just as a reminder — if you have made a resolution to have a healthier 2023: eat better, lose weight, exercise more, I have the best solution. My treadmill is still available. Let me know if you might be interested. The cost? You come and pick it up!

Three fun things to do in Pennsylvania: Lancaster (Amish country – or just go to Smicksburg!); Philadelphia (Very historic – Elfreth Alley and the Liberty Bell); Linn Run (hiking paths, water falls, picnic spots, rocks!)

TOMORROW January 2 is:

National Buffet Day; National Personal Trainer Awareness Day; National Science Fiction Day; National Thank God it’s Monday D; World Introvert Day; National Cream Puff Day.

Celebrate something! Buffet sounds good. God bless!

I have all the decorations – inside and out – tucked away and the boxes put back on the shelves. That was no easy feat, as some of the boxes are pretty heavy. I put the heavy ones on the bottom so I could just slide them over and tilt them up! The car is happily back in the garage now.

After all is said and done, the desk space is more open, the Snoopy blanket looks great on the couch, and the ‘recovery blanket’ (purchased for my November surgery!) is on the chair. I’ve only found 4 things that I forgot to put away but I bet I’ll find at least another one before tomorrow.

I’m going to finish this post, get something to eat, and call it a night. Not sure if I’ll make it to midnight but I’ll try! I have my calendars sitting out, but Mom always thought it was bad luck to put them up, or change the months, before the actual day. So I’ll wait until tomorrow!

LAST JOURNAL POST. NO MORE AFTER THIS ONE! December 31 – What special memories do you have of New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? “My mother & us kids would walk up to visit the Sink family. It was almost always so foggy we walked in the ditch and held hands. Dad went along once in a while. Dad always shot off the shot gun. New Years Day was spent making New Years Resolutions. We took that very serious when we made them.”

Calendar Inspiration – LAST ONE OF THESE, TOO! – Be your best self every day – inspire others with kindness and good cheer.

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TOMORROW, January 1st is:

National Hangover Day; World Day of Peace; Polar Bear Plunge Day; New Year’s Day; National Bloody Mary Day; Euro Day.

I will probably celebrate tomorrow by cleaning my house. Wow, it is dirty. Not cluttered. Just dust and glitter and tinsel and yes, even dead bugs! Can’t wait to get it cleaned up. They say whatever you do on New Year’s Day you will do all year. That’s no surprise. Have a WONDERFUL 2023 and God Bless…. Talk to you NEXT YEAR!

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…