I got an early txt from Autmn that she needed to run to the store for Cameron’s food. Since she is at her mom’s – right up the road – I could take her over quick and be back in time to get the day started. All things considered, I wanted to be at Our Lady of Grace church early as I knew there would be a lot of people. And there was.

I saw this morning on facebook that Kelly Smail posted a happy birthday to Taylor. Today is her 30th birthday. Not a nice birthday present for her.

The service was a Catholic mass and was about an hour and a half. The priest had a really good message and one thing stood out. God sets the limits of life and calls us to Him – it’s not us who set our time on earth. We must be prepared, for we don’t know the day. Don’t take any day or experience for granted. You do not expect the Lord’s return or His call to take us home. Be vigilant. Just like driving – put your life in forward (drive); don’t go in reverse. God has good things for you. To us, Mark is dead, but to the Lord and to Heaven he is gloriously alive. From this point on, everyone must move forward to build their lives in a new direction.

On the way home I stopped at Lowe’s – I was looking for a mini-size can of WD-40, which I did find. I had several sticky doors that are now working just fine.

Kelly sent me a picture of Matt’s new TURF BOYS mowing team member. I think he handles the fertilizer…

When I went up for the mail I noticed a big white cross in the middle of the road in front of my house. I’m sure this means I’m marked as one of the redeemed!

I forgot to mention that on Wednesday Nate and Jen took Christina for a tour of the Point Park University campus. Chrissy loved it – Jen is already nervous about leaving Chrissy in the middle of down town Pittsburgh! Chrissy is just plain excited….

The clouds are beautiful this afternoon!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

TRIVIA – answer for yesterday: 1933. Today’s trivia is: The average adult human’s blood vessels are long enough to wrap around the Earth more than two time. That is a lot of vessels!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 24th is:

Tourism Day; Twin Peaks Day; Whooping Crane Festival, Floating Lantern Festival; I hate Coriander Day (?); International Sword Swallowers Day; Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day; National Tortilla Chip Day; National Trading Card Day.

I think I’ll find my own little celebration! Have a great weekend and God bless…

I worked this morning, got gas in the Jeep, then came home and had a few bites of my popcorn. I was able to walk later in the afternoon when I got home and it quit raining.

At 2pm I left to meet Nate and Jen at Pantalone’s Funeral Home for Mark Smail’s viewing. We waited outside in line for almost two hours, and thankfully it did not rain the whole time we were outside. I was pleased to see several people that used to be routine people in my work life. And every one of them came up to me! Lee, Linda, Chuck, Jon and Jackie. I also saw people from a distance that I recognized but you did not dare leave your place in line!

I have honestly never seen so many flowers at a viewing in my LIFE. There must have been at least 100 baskets or vases or bouquets, plus lanterns and wind chimes and stepping stones. Amazing. I was so glad that Nate and Jen were with me, since it was such a long line and a long wait. When I finally inched up to the family, Kelly (Mark’s wife) hugged me and said, “I KNEW you would come! I knew it!”

I understand that there was a family and close friend viewing last night that everyone attended. Today I talked to Kelly, then Taylor and Marcus (Mark’s grown children) who are very sweet and beautiful. Kelly had her sister there for moral support. Kathy Smail Johnson (and her husband Ron) were there, as were their two grown children Megan and Christopher. Ellen (Mark’s Mom) looks just the same, only her hair is gray rather than the dark it used to be. She looked a little frail and small but was the stalwart that she has always been. Jeff Jr. was there, and Lindsey. The rest of them were taking a break. I may get to say hello tomorrow at the funeral.

Being there among old friends, employees, and Smail family was refreshing despite being sad. Paying honor to Mark’s life, and his family legacy. I was privileged to be a part of the Smail ‘family’ for 52 years, and glad to be well received despite the circumstances. I wish them all peace and comfort in the times ahead. My heart is sad.

TRIVIA: In Which year did Art Rooney Sr. purchase the NFL franchise that would become the Pittsburgh Steelers? Answer tomorrow. (Mark was a HUGE Steeler fan – There was a Terrible Towel tucked in his hands plus a bottle of his favorite beer at his side!)

PEANUTS Thought of the Day:

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

Pinocchio Day; Skip the Straw Day; Curling is Cool Day; Diesel Engine Day; International Stand Up to Bullying Day; National Banana Bread Day; National Dog Biscuit Day; National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day; National Play Tennis Day; National Tile Day; National Tootsie Roll Day.

Tootsie Rolls were our go-to treat as children – Santa always brought Tootsie Rolls for our stocking! I’ll go with that. God bless…

Well, you all know the drill. Today was Wednesday so I cleaned the house and did some laundry. Nothing too notable. But I did forget to post the little sign from the doctor’s office yesterday. The irony was that the receptionist was NOT happy – very short with me, grumpy-faced, not friendly at all. So I hope she was happy in her heart, because she certainly didn’t share it!

I finished my chores in time to take a walk – the weather is brisk but sunny and the air felt refreshing. The little stream at the bottom of Farmbrook Drive was clear and you can see the reflection of the clouds.

My neighborhood is preparing for trash pick-up, and one person had a Christmas wreath laying in the yard. It actually still looked pretty nice!

From one spot on my walk I could see the moon to the right of me and the sunset to the left. The sky was clear.

I plan to go to Bible study tonight. I just felt I needed that mid-week encouragement.

Trivia: Answer to yesterday’s questions is THREE. Today: Mozart wrote the nursery rhyme tune ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ at the age of five.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 22nd is:

2Twenty2 Day; Be Humble Day; Great American Spit Out (???); National California Day; National Chili Day; National Cook A Sweet Potato Day; National Walk Your Dog Day; National Play More Cards Day; World Thinking Day; Supermarket Employee Day; Single Tasking day.

I’ll be humble tomorrow – I’m probably really good at it. (haha). If I had a dog, I would walk it, so walk yours! God bless…

There wasn’t much work in either store. I had a follow up in Irwin with my ENT doctor so I went down there a little early. Stopped at Goodwill and did find a frame to replace the one that the ‘ghost’ threw on the floor! Perfect size and price!

Doctor released me from any further follow-ups. If I need them, I just call and schedule a visit. All is well. I stopped at Aldi and Walmart and gathered up a few things I needed. Once I got home I changed clothes, ate some soup, then took a walk. My car was so totally filthy that I washed it. That wouldn’t be such an issue if I didn’t have to practically climb behind the laundry tub and shower downstairs to turn the outside water on. Survived that one, and now my car is clean.

It was still a bit chilly, but I did poke around in the yard and found a few of my hyacinths peeping up. There are probably more than a dozen coming through the soil, but just a few are up.

Once I came in and warmed up, I melted some of the white chocolate I bought in Smicksburg on Beef Day. So now I have a whole bag of white chocolate drizzled popcorn to snack on.

TRIVIA: – answer to yesterday’s puzzle is 1-e; 2-d; 3-a; 4-b; 5-c. Today’s trivia: How many hearts does an octopus have? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 21st is

Card Reading Day; International Mother Language Day; Language Day; National Grain Free Day; National Sticky Bun Day.

I haven’t had a sticky bun in ages. Maybe I’ll read a card. God bless….

Happy 60th birthday to Skunk Hollow cousin Holly! She makes everything fun!

I slept a solid 6 hours straight last night — unprecedented! Most of the morning was spent sharing thoughts about Mark Smail – with current and former co-workers. The obituary was in the Trib, plus a nice article. I just feel so sad. It doesn’t seem real. When I drove past the dealerships the flags were at half mast.

After work I stopped at Hempfield Walking Track and did about 1.25 miles. It was cold but sunny and it felt good to 1) walk a level track and 2) get some crisp fresh air!

I have the TV on in the background; finished the laundry, replaced the light string on the stair shelf (it was burned out last night) and hung a new little snowflake where there was an empty hook. I still have to figure out the best way to whiten the crocheted snowflake that Gen’s mom made me when I was still in high school – and maintain its integrity! (Any ideas, Gen??)

Celebrate today!

Kath sent me some photos of Tennessee – looks like it’s a very dangerous trip!!!

TRIVIA: Answer tomorrow!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 20th is:

Clean Out Your Bookcase Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Comfy Day; National Handcuff Day; National Leadership Day; National Love Your Pet Day; National Muffin Day; National Student Volunteer Day; No Politics Day; Women in Blue Jeans Day; National Chip Week (French Fries).

Mark was a community leader. My bookcases always need straightening, and I still have muffins. I could do with chips! God bless…

It has been very cold – but sunny – all day. Kathy and Paul stopped on their way to church to pick up an item that Kath left in my car yesterday. They left directly after church for Homecoming at their alum college. I left a little early for Sunday School to get things organized for the class. Max was dressed up – someone told him he looks like Joe Biden! I disagree – he is MAX through and through!

Max’s older brother JJ was baptized this morning at the beginning of church. He shared his confession of faith – and his decision to be a child of Jesus – with Todd. Then his dad baptized him. He was very excited and happy. I’m so proud and happy for him and the family.

Todd’s message was ALL PEOPLE MATTER (Zacchaeus). We must look at the people around us, then look up – that’s where our help is. People want to be seen – they are seeking value and affirmation. We can meet them at their spot – it’s where grace and sin meet and hope is born. Everyone is a puzzle piece. Without you, God’s plan will never be complete. We must Prioritize People (not plans or processes); Use relationships to build bridges; and acknowledge that there are no insignificant people in God’s kingdom. All people matter; YOU matter – to God and to me!

After church I stopped at the mall and walked as I knew it would be cold and very windy. I left my money in the car so I wouldn’t be tempted to purchase anything. There’s a little bit of progress on the ‘Santa’ train display at the mall’s center court. The train!

I did a quick clean-off of the decks and front walk when I got home, then changed clothes and made a burger for lunch. I’m still debating on making potato soup when I’m done posting this. I did the ironing and ran the sweeper and touched up a small nick on the kitchen wall. Then I printed off next Sunday’s lesson, emailed the next month’s schedule to Mary, and made my grocery list. Productive day!

Now for the sorrow. I was devastated yesterday when my friend April (who still works at Smail Auto) txt me to say that Mark Smail (Bud’s older son) passed away following a skiing incident. He loved to ski and was very good. I could barely wrap my head around it; he was 62. I called one of my current bosses and he verified the information as he has connections to the Smail family. Then about 8pm last night Don, a very dear friend and former co-employee at Smail’s (he was working there in 1967 when I started!), called me with more details. I am just broken for his family, especially his mom. Bud has been gone only about 5 or so years. Please keep the family, the Smail employees, and the dealerships in your thoughts and prayers. This will be a huge adjustment and heartache for everyone – and even I feel the sadness and loss. Praying for peace and comfort.

Scripture of Comfort:

TRIVIA: The first automobile to offer seat belts was the 1950 Nash.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 19th is:

Family Day; Iwo Jima Day; Islander Day; National Airboat Day; National Arabian Horse day; National Chocolate Mint Day; National Lash Day (Eyelash); President’s Day; Tug of War day; National Pancake Week.

I’ll try to fit the pancake in. And for sure chocolate mint. I love my family every day! And please keep the Smail family in your prayers. God bless us, every one…

There was a lot of snow this morning – here are some pictures from late last night. Thankfully, only a dusting on the driveway so I didn’t have to shovel or throw salt. I got busy and changed my sheets, then did laundry, and was having breakfast when Kathy called. We made a plan to buzz up to the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast to their trail shop, then drop off a book at Beth’s in Indiana.

Well, best laid plans! We left Greensburg in a snow squall, but it reseeded and we headed up Route 22 to Dilltown with sunny skies and clear weather. It’s been a long time since we’ve actually got to visit so it was a nice trip. However, when we got there, the Dillweed was closed! Probably because of the snow. We knew the hours were ‘iffy’ in the winter but they had been open Thursday and Friday. We parked the car and took a short walk down the Ghost Town Trail, which had not been touched except by animals, who left a lot of tracks.

I took pictures of the creek and the trees, and we got a distant picture of a flock of turkeys crossing the trail in front of us. Also got a few pictures of them tramping around in the woods beside the trail but they are tricky to see in the brush.

We headed back towards Indiana and called Beth, but she and Harold were on their way to a Florida vacation! So our best laid plans… We stopped at a Fleatique in Blairsville and walked around, then swung into Dollar Tree for Kathy to get items for her grandchildren who are also traveling to Florida for vacation in a week or so.

I dropped her off at the house, came home and changed the laundry load, then baked the chicken that I had marinated. It is currently sending a yummy aroma though the house!

TRIVIA: 88 out of 100 people put on their right shoe first. (Did you just check to see which shoe you picked up first???)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 18th is:

Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane day; National Battery Day; National Drink Wine Day; Pluto Day (Planet, not the Disney dog!); Thumb Appreciation Day; World Whale Day.

I use a lot of batteries – I have lots of battery lights. I like my thumbs, they are very useful. Have a great Lord’s day and God bless…

For some reason it didn’t seem like Friday to me. I did laundry, emails, some cooking, straightened up a bit, and was just trying to sort my afternoon when Autmn answered last night’s txt message. So I got organized and went to pick up her and Cameron. He’s just so crazy cute!

Autmn wanted to make Stuffed Peppers (not the soup) for Noah, so we stopped and got ingredients. Cameron was in a good mood and was playing and laughing a lot.

When he finally got cranky-tired, I held him and started singing to him. When I started singing ‘Mocking Bird Hill’ he looked up at me and laughed out loud. He just kept giggling – a belly laugh! – and snuggling next to me. It was the cutest thing ever! I enjoyed holding him while he took a little nap, so Noah and Autmn could eat in peace!

It started snowing about 15 minutes before Noah got here – and it’s still snowing. I try not to stress over the kids being out on these roads with the baby – but they are young and will go anywhere any time any hour! So far it isn’t sticking to the roads or my driveway so hopefully they will make it home with no issues. I got the kitchen cleaned up (I sent the left-overs home with Noah!) and started the dishwasher, and when I finish this I’m done for the night. Tomorrow’s itinerary will depend on the weather!

TRIVIA: Yesterday’s answer is CARROT! I TOLD you it was really bad! Today’s TRIVIA is: Take a trip to Finland and stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can sleep inside a glass igloo and experience the Northern Lights! (I’d love to – as long as it’s warm enough!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 17th is:

My Way Day; National Cabbage Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day; Who Shall I Be Day; National Red Sock Day.

I could do the socks, and be kind. No cabbage. Think I’ll be myself! God bless…

(PS – Autmn just txt that they are home – 9:45pm!)

Let’s see if I can do justice to what I did with my day! Jeannette wasn’t too busy, but I did get caught up in a few things at the Greensburg Store. I was done a little early, so I buzzed up to the Mall (which was still closed at 10:30am) and walked a mile and a half. They are starting to set up for the center court Easter display – but I think they were a little confused. Santa?

There is also a reindeer display outside of LIVE Casino. I stopped at Barbara Ann’s Country Store and looked around, but wasn’t inspired to purchase anything. I left there and went to Diane’s to pick up some extra food she had, which included a big bag of green beans. I snapped and washed them and just finished cooking them. Supper!

Diane’s daughter Shannon is having surgery tomorrow. Please keep Shannon in your prayers. This surgery should give her a lot of pain relief! Shannon had a cross stitch Snoopy ‘bookmark’ for me! She’s always finding little Snoopy treasures!

I got a card in the mail today from Beth. She sent me a poem that Aunt Hazel (her mom) wrote for Kelly when she was little and broke a nail. I’m excited to share it with Kelly – it’s pretty cute – and silly! The card was the bell tower in Stowe VT at the retreat inspired by the Von Trapp family – who inspired the Sound of Music. How cool is that??

Dramatic sky tonight – one little pop of light peeking through.

I moved some things around in the house – just on shelves and a few photos. I was standing by the closet and I heard a loud crash and turned around – a picture fell off the wall across the room, and the frame broke (thankfully not the glass part!). So I put it in a different frame which was much smaller, and looked strange where it used to hang. So I just started shuffling things. Not sure why the picture fell – put things are a little different.

Answer to yesterday’s trivia questions was JEWELRY! Today’s TRIVIA: (Bad Joke) – What’s orange and sound like a parrot? Answer tomorrow (and it’s REALLY bad!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 16th is:

Do A Grouch a Favor Day; Friday Fish Fry Day; National Almond Day; National Caregivers Day; No One Eats Alone Day; Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Lots of good things to consider. So far I have no plans to leave the house. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. God bless…

Wishing you all the sweetest, happiest, filled-with-blessings, God’s love come down celebration! Love you!

As is typical for a Wednesday, I spent the day cleaning and reading. But unlike my typical Wednesday, there was more cleaning than reading! I’m reading MURDER AT ROUGH POINT and I keep going back to 2022 and looking at the pictures that we took when we were there. I’m just about half way done.

The ‘neigh-bors’ were out together today – doesn’t happen that often. They had their coats on because it was cold and windy today. I did go for a walk but I was bundled up, too!

Chrissy’s mom posted some pictures of Cameron – which I ‘borrowed’ to share!

TRIVIA: After Chocolate and flowers, what is the most popular Valentine gift? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 15th is:

Annoy Squidward Day; National Gumdrop Day; Singles Awareness day; Susan B Anthony Day; Make Mine Chocolate Day.

How in the world would one go about annoying Squidward? Hmmm. Not a fan of gumdrops, but I’m always very aware that I’m single! And I’ll take the chocolate. God bless…