The day started out sunny, bright and comfortable. It did not get over 71* so very conducive to outside tasks. I worked both stores, then went to my chiropractor appointment. I really needed it. My neck and back were really out of whack. The office had their window draped in a floral garland that brightened up the waiting area.

From there, I stopped and got gas in the Mazda, then came home to grab something that belonged to Diane, and dropped it off her her. She had some Preen, canning jars, and articles from the Trib for me. We sat on her front porch and had iced tea and cookies that her sister had made yesterday. That was lunch for me!

I was happy to be outside, even for a little while. The sky and clouds were amazing! I wanted to just lay on a blanket and keep looking at the clouds. Dr. Allie suggested that I spend the afternoon resting and drinking lots of water. The water I did manage; sorry to say I didn’t rest much….

My first task at home was to rearrange the shed. I had a bunch of totes that didn’t have lids, and lids without totes (sort of like traditional Tupperware!). I organized everything that matched up and tucked it away, and everything else is outta here. It looks much better just doing that. Even the reindeer are happier.

Some flower pictures:

I took down all the holiday decorations, organized them, and put them on their appropriate shelves. I also cleaned off the craft shelves and the baggies shelf. I was just going outside to bring the car in the garage when it started to pour down rain. I just waited a bit and before long the rain quit.

When I was getting ready for work this morning I went to put my cross necklace on and the clasp was broken. Then I put my Williamsburg bracelet on and it was in two parts. So once I finished all my afternoon tasks I got the plyers out — and THEY fell apart. First I fixed the plyers, then the necklace (I didn’t put the clasp back on – I just fastened both ends together permanently – it slips right over my head). I was able to connect the two separated ends of the bracelet back together. It seems sturdy but I’ll keep my eye on it. I’ll maybe take it to a jeweler to check it. The bracelet is older, and a discontinued item, and was fairly expensive. I can’t believe I actually managed those little tasks by myself!

My blessing today was – and is! – being home all afternoon. I love being home!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW May 29th is:

National 529 Day; Learn About Composting Day; Take a Test Day; Mt. Everest Day; National Alligator Day; National Biscuit Day; National Flip Flop Day; National Paperclip Day; National Snail Day; Oak Apple Day; Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day; World Otter Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Butter Popcorn Day. And TOMORROW is Hempfield’s graduation – Christina Kelly Burke will graduate tomorrow evening! I’m so excited and proud of her. I’ll celebrate that – Love you Chrissy! God bless…

There was a bit of rain and wind during the night but none during the day. That surprised me. There were strong breezes but manageable. I washed a load of clothes, ate breakfast, then finally set down to watch the documentary on the Beach Boys on Disney +. It was informative (Though I’ve seen most of the footage and heard the stories before) but sad. I felt like crying at the end. The band was SO YOUNG when they started out, and had so much stress and distress. By the end of the band’s career things had just fallen apart. It’s like Ricky Nelson’s ‘Garden Party’ – the band wanted to change and grow but the fans (old and new) wanted their traditional music. Sigh. That would be me!

I ate leftover chicken from Kathy’s picnic, then buzzed over to Walmart. I needed an iTunes gift card to update my phone account, and garlic toast. Got both.

Again, I expected rain all day — but it’s been lovely. I changed clothes after Walmart and cut the grass, weed whacked, pulled a few weeds, dead-headed a few stalks of flowers, planted the leftover flowers from the cemeteries, and watered the new plantings. Then I was a mess so I got a shower. After I post this I will grab food and maybe iron.

Mamma bird tried to rebuild her nest on the porch light. NOT!!! I tore it down and put the bag back over it.

My blessing today was taking my time! No rushing, just doing what needed done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 28th is:

International Burger day; Butter Popcorn Day; National Brisket Day; Slugs Return From Capistrano Day; Whooping Crane Day; World Hunger Day.

Yesterday’s Fake Day was National Cold Water Day. I like cold water every day! I can always celebrate burgers – remember Wimpy from Popeye? I really don’t care if the slugs EVER come back from Capistrano! Have a happy back-to-work day! God bless…

The day started out with pale pink and blue skies. Still warm, breezy and sunny all day until evening. Our Sunday school lesson was the Good Samaritan and the kids were very attentive. After Sunday School we took the kids up to Junior Church and Mary and I changed the Bulletin Board to FREEDOM IN CHRIST. It can stay up for the summer.

Todd’s message was FAITH OVER FEAR. I took a lot of notes but not sure I’ll share them all here. ‘Fear Not’ is the most frequent command in the bible. We make our worst decisions in fear; we blame God for the situation. Here is a thought: ‘My life has been full of terrible misfortune; most of which have not happened.’ We fear things that never happen. God delivers us; expect it!. Pick faith over fear. Stand firm — THEN God will reveal his plan! Move on, he takes us through it.

From church I headed to Hanna’s Town. We had two tours, back to back, and while I was out the other guide started a third one. I finished up about 45 minutes before I had to leave, and sat and talked to Kelton. It’s good to get to know him a little better.

I went straight to Kathy’s from Hanna’s Town for her picnic. There was Kathy and Paul, Jesse, Tonia and Isaac, and Sarah, Kyle, Millie and Wyatt. It’s been a long time since I’ve been around little ones for that long. We had tons of good food – Paul did chicken, hot dogs and burgers on the grill. Lots of side dishes, with M&M’s and chocolate cake for dessert.

Millie wanted to play charades, and we made up two teams. Millie was very good at it and we all had fun. The topic was ‘phrases about America.’

After the game Kathy, Sarah and I went outside with Millie and Wyatt and the kids painted wooden bird houses. Millie was very exact and was choosy in her colors. Wyatt was choosy about his color choices but he smeared them all together and had sort of a camo/swirly kind of look.

By the time I got home, the sky was dark and stormy, with a deluge of rain and wind. I think we’re in for that over the next few days. I plan to stay home tomorrow if possible.

My blessing today was to spend the evening with family.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 27th is:

Decoration Day (remember when we called it that???); Memorial Day; National Cellophane Tape Day; Cold Water Day; National Grape Popsicle Day; National Gray Day; National Sunscreen Day; Nothing to Fear Day; Old Time Player Piano Day; Spring Bank Holiday; National BBQ Week; Water Saving Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was Wind Sock Day. Take time tomorrow to remember those who gave so much so that we can live the lives we choose. God bless…

Today was the day – Kathy and I headed to Smicksburg at 9am, loaded down with flowers, garden tools, and determination! We went straight to St. John’s church cemetery in Sagamore, where Grama and Grandad Crooks and their family are buried. We planted several flowers on the graves and gave them a good douse of water.

From there we went up (or down!) Sinktown Road, where Kathy & I and all the Skunk Hollow cousins lived or hung out. So much has changed! That road led us to Old Mahoning Baptist Church. Our cousin Colleen’s son Jason and his son were spreading gravel chips in the parking lot so we got to chat with them a few minutes. Then we planted flowers on Susan’s grave, her parents Jim and Dolly (our uncle and aunt), and her nephew Andrew. We even planted two flowers at Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s pre-ordered grave stone, even though there are still very much alive and delightful.

We stopped at Smicksburg Country Store (Donna’s store) and browsed – then bought chocolate covered peanuts (the best!). I also bought cheese. The hills and the clouds were delightful!

From there — to Smicksburg Cemetery, where Uncle Gene and Aunt Hazel, one of their infant great granddaughters, two of their sons, and a son in law are buried. We planted appropriate flowers there. If a cemetery could have beautiful views, this one did.

We popped into the Bulk Food store, and I bought a 5 pound slab of chocolate and a small piece of white chocolate. That means work for me down the road!

We tried to call Aunt Joan but had no cell service, so we drove back up to the top of the hill at the cemetery. As we drove back down, who was tending to the plots of their family but Beth and Harold! So excited to see them and get hugs! We stood and chatted for the longest time! I should have taken a picture — but I was so excited to see them it totally slipped my mind! Loved seeing them!

Last, we went to visit Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. We filled up our water cups from the spring with fresh clear water. We spent over an hour there, chatting and visiting. There were cattle right out the kitchen window, and a nest of tiny baby birds on the front deck. What a lovely day, filled to overflowing with memories and blessings!

After a quick stop at the Blairsville Walmart we headed home. Kathy had another event this evening. At least when I got home I didn’t have to water the new grass – it has rained several times since we got back.

The whole DAY was a blessing! (Including spending the day with Kathy!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 26th is:

General Prayer Day; Indianapolis 500; National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cherry Dessert day; National Paper Airplane Day; National Sorry Day; World Dracula Day; National Wind Sock Day; World Lindy Hop Day; World Red Head Day; National Family Fun Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Bulletin Board Recognition Day. Tomorrow we shall celebrate World Red Head Day — Love you Beth! Have fun with your family and God bless…

Wow it’s been a busy day, all day! I was still in my PJ’s – before my shower or breakfast – and had come downstairs to check emails and pay a bill. My doorbell rang (early for me!) and my neighbor asked if she could park in my extra spot. She was having a pest control company come, and her grass cut, and 2 stair lifts installed and didn’t want to be stuck in her garage with multiple vehicles blocking her in. I felt a little rumpled in appearance, but I was happy to have her park there! After all, I just did a super clean-up out there yesterday.

After breakfast I went to Dollar Tree – again – I needed a new sprig of flowers to put in the duck. The old ones were totally falling apart and faded. I then popped into Walmart for a few items. Since we are going out Home to plant flowers tomorrow I picked up a few packs of flowers, then got everything organized that we need to take. I left there and got gas in the Mazda and in the mower gas can.

Once I got home, I spread the new grass seed and watered the plot. I had to come in and turn the water value to open for the front outside spigot first. Then I washed a load of clothes which still needs ironed. I made a salad for lunch with garlic toast, then melted white chocolate to do pretzels to take tomorrow to AJ/UC. When that was done I mixed up muffins for breakfast next week.

I watered Bunny and Ozzie and the new grass again about 6:30 when they were in the shade. I had to run back out to the store but it only took me a few minutes. The butterfly bush is getting different colored blooms – white and maybe pink and lilac in addition to the deep purple. The Rose Campion are finally blooming, too.

I’m listening to LOVE STRIKES TWICE on the Hallmark Channel – it’s cute and funny and has a lot of unexpected twists and clever lines. When I’m done here I think I’ll iron then grab supper.

My blessing for today was the beauty of the day, and accomplishing the chores on my list!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 25th is:

National Bath Bomb Day; National Brown Bag it Day; National Italian Beef Day; National Sing Out Day; National Tap Dance day; National Wig Out Day; National Wine Day; Towel Day; National Children’s Gardening Day; National Bulletin Board Recognition Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Ivy Day. Tomorrow we are brown-bagging it to Smicksburg – I doubt we’ll sing or dance. There may be a towel involved in our planting and gardening although I doubt the children will be joining us. And tomorrow is 7 months until Christmas Day. Celebrate, and God Bless…

I was tucked into bed last night and noticed the moon out my window. I went out on the deck and snapped a picture. My phone doesn’t take the best photos of night skies.

First thing this morning I got a txt from Karen V (a Skunk Hollow cousin). She read on the Word Garden yesterday that today was World Turtle Day — and look what she saw on her walk this morning! Cool!

And Jen posted a picture of Piggy playing in his play pool – bobbing for broccoli! He’s a funny pig!

After work (which again, thanks to PENNDOT, was a little crazy!), I had lunch, changed clothes, and went outside. I’m really tired of trying to predict the weather forecast’s accuracy. I thought it was supposed to rain? Anyway I cut the grass, cleaned up the driveway (those pesky little maple helicopters made an awful mess), sprayed for weeds under the deck, changed the outside flags for the weekend, put up the window stickees, and touched up a chipped spot on the clothes hamper in the bathroom.

The horses were out this afternoon, too!

I got the greeting cards that my step sister-in-law sent me (she made them!), and I love them all! I took a picture of PART of one – they are her work and I didn’t ask permission to fully share them, although she had posted them on her facebook page. I’m excited to have an occasion to use them.

Here are some yard photos.

My blessing today was receiving the beautiful greeting cards from SJ.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 24th is:

Carb Day; National Don’t Fry Day; National Asparagus Day; National Brother’s Day; National Ivy Day; National Cooler Day; National Escargot Day; National Road Trip Day; National Title Track Day; Tiara day; National Scavenger Hunt Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Seeds Day. We are going on a road trip on Saturday and we may take a cooler! I don’t have a brother. Scavenger hunts are fun. Do something fun and God bless… P.S. – please pray – unspoken request. Thank you! !!

I got up extra early this morning while the grass was still damp. I was watching the weather predictions which were so confusing and UNpredictable that I decided to risk it. Didn’t take long, and I was motivated to get into my day.

Before I started cleaning, I changed the doll’s spring clothes to R/W/B, and changed the blankets downstairs. There were a few other little projects I handled before I cleaned, like putting the WELCOME board out. It should get a little protection under the deck where it is.

I did get the cleaning done (in between reading chapters of IN THIS MOUNTAIN, the next book in the Mitford series, and washed a load of towels. I had yogurt for lunch and trust me – it’s totally worn off by now. I just grabbed a few M&M’s (R/W/B, of course) and will be ready to grab supper when I’m done with this.

Here are a few pictures of what I put out.

All this excitement about graduation and proms – my niece Hannah’s youngest daughter Rosie had her 8th grade formal — this is her last year at the middle school. Next year – L&N STEM high school!

My blessing for today was enjoying the early morning sunshine and cool breezes before breakfast.

PEANUTS thought for the day:

TOMORROW May 23rd is:

National Lucky Penny Day; Medical Coder Day; National Drinking With the Chickens Day (???); National Taffy Day; National Seeds Day; World Turtle Day.

Yesterdays day was National Download Day. Tomorrow — lucky pennies are good, and I have nothing against turtles. Celebrate! God bless…

The sun is shining; blue skies; puffy clouds; temps in the 80’s. So today was an outside day for me, at least this afternoon.

Lots of crazy things going on at work – You just can’t trust PENNDOT to stick to anything. Traffic was a mess on Route 30 – they had 3 lanes and a turn lane squeezed into one lane from AHS (hospital) to Target. Ugh. It was backed up from Lowry Avenue all the way to Lakeview.

After work I made several stops – one at Dollar Tree for some items for the Sunday School bulletin board, one at the bank, and then at Lowe’s. I bought four bags of Pond Stone and a big bag of Scott’s Weed and Feed. I need to find the right time to spread it on the lawn. The grass should be damp but then it can’t rain for at least 24 hours! That will take some doing.

I was able to get the stones where they needed to be – under the deck and two places on the hill. The water runs down the driveway and is wearing away the soil where the hill starts. Hoping the stones will help divert the water flow.

Since we planted Ozzie I needed to move the yard flag. It would be fine now, but as Ozzie grows it wouldn’t be. So I moved it over. Matt had given me two huge bags of garden soil, so I hauled it up to the front yard with my new (Christmas) little garden hauler and spread it in a big bare spot.

I watched a little bunny hopping around the yard and it crawled under the wheelbarrow in the flower bed. He must nap there – probably cool and safe!

Gen called from New York at about 4pm and we got caught up. They just came back from Disney and sounds like they had a nice time. And I just got off the phone with my step-sister-in-law SJ – I sent her a book – Letters to Mary – and she called to say she put hand-painted note cards (she’s an artist) in the mail to me. So two fun phone visits in one afternoon!

THOSE were my blessings for today!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW, May 22nd, is:

Bitcoin Pizza Day; Buy a Musical Instrument Day; National Maritime Day; National Solitaire Day; National Vanilla Pudding Day; Sherlock Holmes Day; National Safe Boating Week; National Download Day.

Yesterday’s day was Toothbrush day. I don’t know what a bitcoin pizza is and I haven’t gone boating in years. So — just have fun. God bless…

Beautiful day – but very warm! Because there was a nice breeze (and I had a nice sun hat) I could get the grass cut. I also trimmed the lilac branches that keep growing through the other side of the fence. It makes it harder to mow and it also looks messy when they are poking through.

But before that, work went fine. Both Sir Rege and Joe were talkative and helpful. Joe just came back from Philly and was excited to show me some photos, especially Elfreth Alley. And I was sharing in his excitement. I made a quick stop at Gabe’s to see if they had any worthy cutting boards to contribute to the Tea supplies, but nothing there.

I walked around the yard and took more pictures – I know you are probably tired of getting yard pictures!

When I got the mail there was a graduation photo of my friend Carolyn’s daughter Anna. We don’t see each other very often but I was so happy to get the photos. I didn’t realize Anna and Christina were the same age!

Nate came over after his supper and planted Ozzie. I gave him and Bunny a good soaking and I think the yard (as far as plants are concerned) is in good shape.

Autmn popped in to get a shower – they were swimming at Noah’s mom’s pool. She shared some photos of Cameron in the pool, and one in his playpen, and one of them playing giant UNO the other night with Chrissy.

My blessing today was feeling the assurance that God’s got my back! I don’t have answers, but He does, and I’m praying to be included in the solutions! If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…. (confusing things CAN make sense!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 21st is:

International Tea Day; National Memo Day; National Toothbrush Day; National Strawberries and Cream Day; National Waitstaff Day.

Yesterday’s day was Windsock Day – and I discovered that I am NOT a millionaire. Bummer. Tomorrow let’s have tea and strawberries! God bless…

TODAY is Aunt Joan’s birthday. Happy birthday, sweet aunt! We need to have a visit soon! Love you.

Mary and I did a good job with the lesson for the kids this morning; it was a hard lesson but they got it! It was about prayer and God’s answer: Yes, No, Wait. They had dozens of examples of the ‘wait’ concept! And they had to wait on snack which emphasized how hard it really was to wait.

Todd’s message was INVITE BOLDLY. We think we should only invite and welcome wholesome people into the church – but Jesus runs TO messy people, not away from them. WE are all messy. No matter how many come, there is still room. People need to know we care before we share Christ or invite them. Invest in them, then invite. We have to be stretched like a bungie cord to be useful. Investing is not easy, but the harvest is rewarding.

Today was one of the two days that I volunteered to do guided tours at Hanna’s Town, so I left straight from church. Therefore, I had to wear my volunteer shirt.

It was such a beautiful day! The sky was amazing, the trees and grass were bright green, and the birds were happy. Kelton, our new education director, was on site, and he asked if he could shadow me. I’ve been doing tours since 2003, and he’s fairly new to the site. It make me very nervous! And then a new volunteer came in and also wanted to shadow. I had to really keep my wits about me…

The new guy (who had obviously studied his manual!) was able to contribute interesting bits of information to the tour (we had a family of three adults), and Kelton told me he learned new things and really appreciated tagging along. He complimented me to the family on doing a nice job, so I was relieved. Here are pictures of the site, which I’ve posted before but the buildings looked so fresh and ready.

My blessing for today were the little ones in my Sunday School class. They are a handful but such a blessing to heart and spirit.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 20th is:

National Be a Millionaire Day; Eliza Doolittle Day; Flower day; International Red Sneakers Day; National Band Director’s Day; National Windsock Day; National High Heel Day; National Pick Strawberries Day; National Rescue Dog Day; National Streaming day; World Bee Day; National vegetarian Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Shoelaces Day. I’ll celebrate being a millionaire, flowers, strawberries, and streaming. Have a happy week and God bless…