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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Random Photo – Talk about nasty weather!!!

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…

Here we are – the shortest day (daylight) of the year. But the good news is that from today on, our times of daylight with increase every day until June! I just took my trash up to the road, and it felt like midnight. But longer days are comin’!!!

This morning I caught up on my journal. I haven’t really been writing in it, because the Word Garden documents my days and events. But I like to write down the major happenings in my journal, so I can find the information if I need it. For instance, I can always go to BEEF DAY in the journal and see who went, how big the cow was, how much it cost per pound… None of us remember from year to year so that is very helpful. And I can keep records of important and significant events. I won’t write every day – just when there is something to make note of.

I putzied around and took my time cleaning, upstairs and downstairs. I listened to Christmas music upstairs, and when I came down I put the Hallmark channel on. I’ve watched parts of THREE WISE MEN AND A BABY several times and the more I see, the funnier it is! I hope it’s available for purchase soon!

Mid afternoon I needed a little pick-me-up, so I dug around in the fridge and found the last little piece of fudge. Yum. When I am finished with this I will have a bowl of soup or a slider.

Tomorrow’s weather looks threatening, so I’m hoping it’s safe. I plan on going to work in the morning – but not too early. It will be the last work day before Christmas!

Please add to your prayer list: My step-daughter Theresa’s widower Mel, children/grandchildren, mother, and sister, as they are facing this first Christmas without Theresa. They will be feeling the loss for sure. And my friend (both from decades at HCC – our daughters grew up as close friends – and from Smail, as he worked for Smail Auto for decades, as well!) Dave Baughman. He had a heart attack Monday and had a triple bypass this morning. It will be a long, frightening recovery for him and his family. Thank you!!

December 21 – Do you remember a ‘best’ Christmas of childhood? “When we all got to go to Grandmam & Grandpap Eakman’s & be with all our cousins, which were many.” We love our cousins, too! And it IS the best!

Calendar inspiration – Brighten someone’s day with a warm greeting – always a welcome gift! I sent a card to Dave’s family and will send a card to Mel as well.

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TOMORROW December 22nd is:

National Date Nut Bread Day, Forefather’s Day, Re-gifting Day.

Celebrate the joys of this Holy time of year – and the Gift that is for all of us! It’s a gift that keeps re-giving every single day. Thank you, God, for your Son. God bless us, every one.

Not much going on anywhere today – even the Mall was not busy. I had time to check both Pinnacles, notarize something for Mike G, and run my errands. I was home before noon. But it was nice to stand on the upper level at the Mall and take pictures of Santa’s village. St. Nick was not there yet – I think he likes to sleep in on Tuesdays!

Nate, Chrissy and Jen worked last night to get their tree up. Because of the pig, a crazy dog (Ranger) and several resident cats, a traditional tree would never last the day. So they strung lights on the wall and decorated with garland and ornaments. I’m sure Chrissy was glad to have a little ‘festive’ for the holiday!

Remember yesterday I said about Walmart hosting ‘Shop with a Cop’? There was a nice article in the Trib today about that. It was sort of neat to be there – because I’ve never actually seen it in action.

Quote from the Trib: “This is something that’s so different from our everyday schedules at work,” Shipley said. “That’s why we’re all so excited to be here.” The Shop with a Cop nonprofit, started by Trooper Steve Limani more than 10 years ago, helps local children who were involved in a crime or other unfortunate circumstance throughout the year with a holiday shopping experience. Children can be picked to participate by police officers, counselors, teachers or community members.

Kelly sent me a txt today with a startling observation. Logan looks a lot like me. I was glad to see that, because now I actually have proof that someone in my family is actually related to me!

My writer friend Liz posted today that is was a featured, best selling author for USA Today! I’m so excited for her, and happy for her success. She deserves all the accolades she gets! She has written seven Christmas novels and I’ve read them all!

December 20 – Tell about your experiences with Santa Claus. “Our Uncle Edd lived with us. He always dressed up like Santa Claus. He would ring sleigh bells & then come in the front door. I was around 6 or 7 before I knew ‘Santa’ was Uncle Edd.” Dad was ‘Santa’ for Kathy and I several years when we were young. He’s knock on the window and shake his finger at us to put our slippers on. Of course he dressed the part.

Calendar inspiration – When you can’t be there in person, be there in spirit. A loving heart can travel anywhere!

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The site changed the format for the ‘national’ day – so once I get through December I won’t post unless I find another site!! But TOMORROW is:

• National Maine Day
• Humbug Day
• Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
• National Flashlight Day
• Winter Solstice
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
• Anne & Samantha Day
• National French Friend Shrimp Day
• Crossword Puzzle Day

Lots to celebrate – so pick one! I am going for the shrimp and the flashlight! Have a great day – God Bless…

The extra cold temps made me just want to snuggle under the covers and stay inside all day. But — I actually got up a little early to enjoy a hot shower. Not a lot to do at either store, and I was home and doing laundry by noon. I did stop in at Walmart to exchange the broken spray paint. Here is the project – both in the beginning and when it was finished.

It was apparently ‘shop with a cop’ day – there was no less than a dozen police officers in the store that I saw with young shoppers, and it was very interesting and intimidating to see all of them interacting with their shopping lists – and very visible fire arms!

On the way home from the store I passed a house with the biggest moose I ever saw! It was almost as tall as the house!

Yesterday afternoon my friend Patty did have her piano concert, and her grandson Jonathan and his fiancée Natalie joined her. Jonathan played guitar and Natalie sang, and of course Patty played piano.

Even though the snow was pretty, and the lights glowed on the deck, I was glad the roads were clear and safe for going out.

Last night’s Christmas program went very well. First we had dinner, catering arranged by Brandon and Annie Yeager – yum. And guess WHAT? They had M&Ms!!! The centerpieces and decorations were lovely.

After the chaotic rehearsal on Saturday we were all on edge, but every last person pulled it together! The skits – including Crazy Eddie/Larry and the Christmas Tree upstaged by the nativity scene – went off without hitches. The solos were sweet and clear, the readings (which Wayne and I did) went smoothly, and the children’s bell choir was cute and perfect. All this was despite the fact that the director was ill and could not attend. Several people (assisting Shelagh) pitched in and we can honestly say the evening was a success. Here are a few pictures. I was on stage and didn’t have a front view, but did have a Mary taking pictures for me from the audience!

December 19 – Tell about the worst Christmas present you ever received as a child. “I don’t think I ever had a bad Christmas present when I was a child. We didn’t get things very often & we felt very happy with whatever we got.”

Calendar inspiration – Wherever you go, bring good cheer and a smile – make a big impression!

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TOMORROW December 20th is:

• Go Caroling Day
• National Sangria Day
• Mudd Day

It may be too cold to go caroling; it’s to be below average temps all week. I’ll probably grab a few groceries on the way home tomorrow and stay inside the rest of the day. God bless!

My friend Patty was to have a facebook live concert today at 2pm – can’t find it! Hopefully it will show up and I can watch it later on. This is a picture of the reminder and of them practicing. Sure hoping to see it!

The sermons this month have been WHO NEEDS CHRISTMAS? The first week it was: GOD (He missed being close to his creation and needed to draw us all back together). Next: The WORLD (– who really needs a savior!) Today: Neighbors (whoever is not close to God but is close to us). We’ll see who it may be next week. (I’m guessing it will be US!!!)

We learned about the Wise Men (kings) coming to see Jesus in Sunday School. Max assured me that he knew ALL ABOUT this story! And he knew quite a bit, to be honest. Mary had us make ornaments with a tea light inside, which Max decided would be easier to handle if it had a remote…. but the stencils on the ornament was a very close match to the message monitor for the church service!

Max and JJ got each Mary and I a beautiful fringed blanket – and they had no idea I had a ‘thing’ for blankets. It’s very soft and warm and will be a great addition to my collection. I plan to use it tonight once I’m home from the dinner and the program at church. I’ll post pictures and details about that tomorrow.

December 18 – Tell about the best Christmas present you ever received as a child. “When I was a child we all wore ‘long legged underwear.’ They kept us warm when the winters came with the very cold temperatures. We had long ‘ugly’ stockings we wore over our long underwear. One Christmas Grandma Crooks bought Hazel & I ankle socks with lace on them. It was a warm Christmas & we begged our parents to let us take off our long underwear & stockings so we could wear our new socks for a couple hours. Dad said we would catch pneumonia, but we didn’t even get a cold. Such a special time.”

Calendar inspiration from Peanuts:

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TOMORROW December 19 is:

• National Hard Candy Day
• National Oatmeal Muffin Day

I think I finally have a day that is just routine – work in the morning, laundry in the afternoon. No gifts to purchase, no presents to wrap. I’ll have a slow start to the week, then several events right in a row to keep the rest of the week busy and fun. Enjoy your week of Christmas adventures. God bless…