Good news was that when we woke up this morning, no ice on the roads – or anywhere else – at least local. What a relief. It was cloudy and raining and dreary all day so I opted to work at Pinnacle, stop to help Mike P, and come straight home. Tomorrow is a day off and it looks like we should have sunshine, so I’ll handle groceries tomorrow and take my time after starting laundry.

I had toast for lunch today (homemade bread!) and finished reading another book. The last two I read were pretty good, and very much different from the category ‘romance’ or women’s fiction that I have been reading. We’ll see what I come up with next.

After lunch, though, I decided to drive over to L&L Fleatique. Kelly is looking for specific kitchen bowls (which I didn’t find) but I did get a very old Golden Book (or similar) set in Colonial Williamsburg. I’m going to read it after I finish this. It looks cute – it was printed in 1956 so you can almost picture it!

I saw several pair of old-type roller skates. I had skates like that and loved them. I skated on our very short, choppy sidewalk all the time. Not real exciting but I loved it anyway! I believe that although I don’t have the skates any more I do have an old skate key!

Autmn sent me pictures of her and Cameron. He has milk on his face! Silly boy – but I love him anyway!

Logan sent us a picture of Ransom – he had been at the vet’s to get neutered. Doesn’t exactly look happy. Poor little guy!!!

Here are a few pictures that I snapped of some of my valentine decorations that Kelly did. The tablecloth was passed to me from Kathy’s friend Lynda Sue and fits in very well!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW February 7th is:

National Bubble Gum Day; e-Day; Give Kids a Smile Day; National Ballet Day; National Periodic Table Day; National Send a Card to a Friend Day; National Wear Red Day; National Women’s Heart Day; National Number Day; Rose Day; Working Naked Day ????; National Marriage Week.

I can’t do gum these days and I could never stand on my toes! I’ll send a card to someone tomorrow. I for sure won’t work naked! I may wear red. God bless!!!

I’ll just do a quick recap of the last two days. We were pretty busy the whole time Kelly was here. Monday morning sunrise!

Yesterday we had scones for breakfast, then got busy with our projects. First thing was to clean out her van. We didn’t wash or sweep it – there was just a ton of items thrown in there with everyone coming and going in the cold weather. This is the pile of clothes we found tucked in corners and under seats! We took time to throw them into the washer.

Kelly was hungry for Acini de Pepe soup (her dad’s favorite!) so we spent all morning on that. While it was simmering, we started on two batches of banana muffins and two loaves of banana bread. She brought an excess of over-ripe bananas with her so we spent a while on that project.

She was also hungry for homemade bread, so I mixed that up and we set it to raising. Kelly made pancakes for Chase, then the two of us changed clothes and went to the funeral home. It was visitation for my friend from church. Judy looked so beautiful, and so at peace. She loved corsages so they made sure she had a beautiful pink one.

We left there and stopped at the store – looking for something we couldn’t find (for Chase). We baked the bread when we got home, and had that for supper. Yum. This morning I washed towels and sheets in the morning, and we had toast/grilled cheese for lunch. Chase had quesadillas. They left after lunch.

I spent the rest of the day doing my regular Wednesday cleaning and laundry. The house was really quiet without them here! I’ll have to get back into the quiet house mode!

Before they left this morning I got out my little bin of Valentine decorations and lights. I let Kelly put things where she wanted and was happy to see her delightful creativity when she was done. I’ll take some pictures tomorrow! Time for food – as it’s almost 9pm. Hoping we don’t get ice overnight – Chase left something here and I want to get it in the mail for him tomorrow!

SCRIPTURE of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 6th is:

National Chopsticks Day; National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day; National Valentine Shopping Reminder Day; Optimist Day; Pay a Compliment Day; Ronald Reagan Day; Time to Talk Day.

Every duck I’ve ever met could walk perfectly fine. I’m embarrassed to say I am more a half-empty kind of girl rather than an optimist. My sister will like Ronald Reagan Day! God bless!

Kelly called late last night, and her and Chase came up this morning and are staying until Wednesday at noon. So there will be no more official Word Garden posts until Wednesday evening!

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 4th is:

National Create a Vacuum Day; Facebook Birthday; Willie Mays Day; Liberace Day; National Hemp Day (Yea, Hempfield!); National Homemade Soup Day; National Stuffed Mushroom Day; National Thank a Mail Carrier Day; National Wicker Day; Sweater Day; World Cancer Day.

Kelly and I are making homemade chicken soup tomorrow, and banana bread. I appreciate my mail carrier! Have a happy day – see you all Wednesday, and God Bless,…

Woke up this morning to the fact that our little Punxy Phil saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter! I’m thinking there’s not much chance we’ll finish up winter any worse than the way it began – sub-freezing temps, snow, and wind. Snuggle up, Phil!

PS – today would have been my cousin Danny’s birthday. Miss you ‘my only son!’ (inside joke — he WAS my cousin!)

Todd’s message this morning was continuing the series on The Church. We have confused the church by enforcing man-made expectations rather than what God has given us. We create our own version of what we want the church to be. It’s not about how we dress, what we eat (or are forbidden to eat) nor about the 613 laws that the early Jews had to learn and follow. We can’t do it! It’s the grace of God that saves. Don’t make it difficult for people to turn to God. Favor Grace over the Law.

I came home and had some carrots for lunch, then read a few chapters in my current book. It was made into a movie but I didn’t see it. Another book that the author wrote – The Charm Bracelet – was a Hallmark movie, and I did see – and very much enjoyed – that one.

I have also discovered and have been enjoying a YouTube series called The History Traveler (or History Underground). JD takes us on adventures all over the country to explore the history of battles, homes, people, and cemeteries (his favorite). I’ve watched several dozen already. I even used one of his videos for my Presidential research!

Gen messaged me that the very bright star that I saw last night beside the moon was actually Venus! The picture didn’t do it justice – it was super bright in person.

I am actually going to finally do the ironing tonight! I kept putting it off but now I’ll actually do it.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS??

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

American Painters Day; Doggy Date Night; Elmo’s Birthday; Feed the Birds Day; National Carrot Cake Day; National Golden Retrievers Day; National Missing Persons Day; National Wedding Ring Day; Take a Cruise Day; The Day the Music Died.

We used to take carrot cake to Mom’s every time we went up. They loved it and so did we! There are a lot of people that I miss, but I don’t think that’s what they mean. I just came across my Mom’s wedding rings when I was cleaning this week. I’m pretty sure I would get seasick on a cruise. God bless…

Here we are, February 2025. Tomorrow that little rodent will tell us when we can expect spring, if you can believe that! I think today was very chilly compared to yesterday, despite the fog and rain and thunder.

I just putsied around the house this morning, starting with the wooden Snoopy calendar. Then I did some cleaning and sorting and some research and typing on my Presidential pick for Kathy’s luncheon. Just when I think I’ve finished I find something else interesting.

Kelly updated me on her sister in law. Kim slipped on some ice about a week ago, and although they did run tests at the time she ended up back in the ER. She’s had a rough go with various illnesses and I know this is a difficult time for her and her husband Greg. Please keep them in your prayers.

I also was working on some fun things to keep Millie busy on their upcoming trip to Mt. Vernon. Not sure if she’ll even want to do them, but I was inspired. I had fun doing it.

Then I cleaned out the closet in the family room. I didn’t take the books out, as I just went through them recently and don’t feel like I’m ready to part with them anyway. They are writing research books on the art of writing and also research on different historic time periods.

I reorganized everything and put it all back. Again, I just went through that stuff last summer so I didn’t have to get rid of anything. I just made it easier for Cameron to get to what he will enjoy playing with, and what’s safe for him.

Next, I will have a piece of meatloaf for supper. I had a salad for lunch. I just went up for the mail and noticed the sliver of moon out with one single visible star.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 2nd is:

British Yorkshire Pudding Day; California Kiwifruit Day; Candlemas Day; Crepe Day; Groundhog Day; National Brown Dog Day; National Catchers Day; National River Day; National Tater Tot Day; National Ukulele Day; Scout Sunday; Sled Dog Day.

I’m sure that groundhog will get plenty of attention. I like tater tots, and sled dogs are cool! Have a happy Sunday. God bless…

First of all, a big happy birthday to my friend Gen’s older son Christopher! Hoping your day was wonderful and full of love and fun, Chris!

It was rainy and foggy all day. In fact about lunch time we had a bunch of wild thunder! I saw a few streaks of lightening, as well. I turned on the deck lights just to add a little encouragement to the dismal atmosphere.

An email came through this afternoon that my friend from church’s sister Judy passed away today. Dianne has been her caregiver for all of her adult life and this will be difficult for Dianne and her family. Praying for all of them – but Judy is singing in the heavenly realms and is whole and well.

I did some research and lots of phone calls about a title disaster I have been dealing with between New York and PA. I was on the phone almost three hours. Hoping we are moving in the right direction. The ball is in their court – which is very scary.

I also did my due diligence on the research for Kathy’s President’s day luncheon. I chose my president and picked out some interesting facts. Now I just have to type them up.

Rege called and asked me to do a favor for Pinnacle – so I buzzed down there and handled a title for them. Then I went on down to Irwin and got a new jar of honey so I’m all set.

Autmn send me a morning picture of Cameron. They had pancakes and chocolate milk and were watching the movie Ratatouille. Looks like Cameron is totally comfortable and into the show! I miss seeing them both!

Haul out the Holly is the Christmas Movie on Hallmark tonight so I am watching that again – have already seen it DOZENS of times! It’s keeping me company.

Not a scripture, but encouragement:

PEANUTS ??

TOMORROW February 1st is:

Take your Child to the Library Day; National Play Outside Day; National Dark Chocolate Day; Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; Abolition of Slavery Day; Car Insurance Day; Change Your Password Day; Decorate with Candy Day; G.I. Joe Day; Heroes’ Day; Holiday Hugs Day; National Baked Alaska Day; National Freedom Day; National Get Up Day.

My Aunt Joan used to make Baked Alaska – always fascinated me! I love dark chocolate, and ice cream for breakfast sounds divine. Go ahead, play outside. God bless…

Not much to post today, so I’ll skim through it and hope for more exciting content for tomorrow. I worked a few hours in Jeannette, picked up some groceries at Aldi and Walmart, and came home to do a few cleanup and organizing projects. Nate came over and helped me flip my mattress, but there’s nothing to take pictures of. It looks exactly the same. So time for supper.

Today would have been Bill Smail’s birthday.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 31st is:

Appreciate your Social Security Check Day; Backwards Day; Eat Brussel Sprouts Day; Gorilla Suit Day; Hug an Economist Day; Inspire Your Heart with Art Day; International Zebra Day; National Big Wig Day; Scotch Tape Day; National Fun at Work Day.

I often have fun a work, and always appreciate my social security check! I’m sure I have plenty of backwards days. Embrace your scotch tape! God bless —

I had a waffle for breakfast then got to cleaning upstairs. I just finished about 10 minutes before Paul dropped Kathy off. She looked through the bags and boxes I had so she knew what all I was sending to their church sale. I helped carry the stuff out when Paul got back from his appointment.

Kath and I had a nice visit – fun chatting and watching a HGTV fixer-upper show. It always seems like I think of so many other things to say after she leaves! But then I finished cleaning and did some laundry. I will have a little bowl of my soup after I finish this post.

The sky had some beautiful pink and yellow clouds this afternoon! And the sky was so bright. But that’s the extent of my day, so more tomorrow.

Scripture of the Day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 30th is:

NASA’s Day of Remembrance; National Croissant Day; National Draw a Dinosaur Day; National Escape day; Yodel for your Neighbors Day; National Storytelling Week.

I’ll escape if it can be a vacation! No yodeling. But I’m pretty fair at telling stories! God bless…

It was warmer today and the snow is melting off – still slowly. The little patch of sun that peeked through the clouds this morning was beautiful. I just had to work a bit to see it! I started at Pinnacle and there were a few issues to work on and clean up. I did take Sir Regis a few scones just to give him something fun to do! Then I went to Harrison City to notarize a document for one of the residents at Mary’s work. The couple was very nice, and so was their little dog Harley!

I had soup for lunch when I got home, then started on more drawers and cupboards. I found (although they weren’t actually lost) my two charm bracelets and my class ring. I seldom wear them, but two of the charms had come off so I was able to refasten them.

I sorted out the storage drawers and put folders in two drawers (I got rid of more than I kept!). I also put my colored copy paper in one drawer, my research info in another drawer, and copies of my short stories and writing prompts in another drawer. I found some old poetry and essays that were from High School and before! Anyone out there remember the song that I wrote? ‘Roger Doll’? Ha! And the Tazz stories and the Skunk Hollow essays and so many others! I still have a few bins in the garage that I need to sort through. Nothing out there will need tossed, just made a little neater! Including my Civil War research!

Short post today because I do have some other things to do. I DID get the ironing done last night – so yea for that. The pile to be donated is getting bigger!

SCRIPTURE of the Day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 29th is:

National Puzzle Day; Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary; Chinese New Year; Curmudgeons day; Free Thinkers Day; National Carnation Day; National Corn Chip Day.

Can’t go wrong with corn chips. I don’t have the patience for puzzles! I’m glad that thinking is still free. God bless…

I sat down this afternoon looking for a few different pictures. It was such a walk down memory lane! I can barely remember what life was like when the kids were little/younger. Below – you can take that walk with me!

I also found a picture of Nate and I can really see Cameron in that picture!

Happy birthday, Kelly. Have a great day and a beautiful year, and I hope you get the peace and quiet you asked for!

I was at work for two hours this morning – just trying to figure out a few issues that needed corrected. Then Rege and I sat and discussed some of the Presidential mandates, and retirement and social security. When I got home I had soup for lunch, which warmed me up and tasted yummy.

I went outside twice and got most of the driveway finished. Then I sorted out some things in the garage and reorganized the give-away bags. I still have ironing to do – the pile keeps getting bigger!

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS ?

TOMORROW January 28th is:

Christa McAuliffe Day; Data Privacy Day; Lego Day; National Daisy Day; National Blueberry Pancake Day; National Kazoo Day; National Pediatrician Day; National Plan for Vacation Day; Pop Art Day; Rattlesnake Roundup Day; National Gift of the Lady Bug Day.

Kelly was at home sick with my mom when the shuttle blew up. She cried. We already planned the first phase of our vacation. No way am I doing ANYTHING with rattlesnakes! Lady Bugs I can do! God bless…