HAPPY GALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL MY GIRLS OUT THERE! Love you!

Today at work was like the Twilight Zone. Everything we attempted was like putting a squared peg in a round hole. Nothing really felt right. But we got done what had to be done and got a decent grip on the next steps. I was going to stop at the mall and walk but it was sunny and bright, so I came home, changed, and got my walk in.

I just started my walk when Chrissy txt to ask for a ride to Autmn’s. We made plans for after my walk, then I picked her up and we headed to Mt. Pleasant. Autmn had a few things to do first, so I dropped her off at Hope’s Chrissy took pictures of the clouds for me on the way down. A lot of dramatic patterns!

When Hope and Chrissy got to Autmn’s they sent me a few pictures of Cameron. I was sad that I didn’t get to hug him today! Hopefully Thursday or Friday.

Diane sent me pictures of her and her friend Walter learning to tap trees for maple sap. She just had surgery on her right hand so she was slightly handicapped!

So I have HOME TOWN (HGTV) on in the background. Just a few small chores to do this evening; then tomorrow I will attack the cleaning of the house. We never did get the snow or rain that was predicted so we’ll see what transpires during the week.

TRIVIA: QUOTE by Robert A Heinlein – ‘Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.’

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 14th is:

Ash Wednesday; Have a Heart Day; International Book Giving Day; Library Lover’s Day; National Cream Filled Chocolate Day; National Ferris Wheel Day; Read to your Child Day; Valentine’s Day; National Organ Donor Day.

Looks like the focus is on reading, and I’m great with that! You can be sure I will take all my cleaning breaks READING. God bless…

I’m sitting at my desk having a cup of hot tea. I used my cute little new honey spoon. I spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen, which is not my favorite place to be. It’s a lovely kitchen; I just don’t especially like to cook! I made a huge pot of Stuffed Pepper Soup and a batch of Cinnamon Streusel muffins. But that was after work.

Jeannette was slow, but Greensburg had a few things on my desk, and Joe was in a mildly chatty mood. So it was a pleasant morning. After getting gas in the Jeep, I picked up a few get well cards before heading home. Did a load of laundry then started cooking.

I was half-way through that process when I got a txt from my tax lady, Valetta, and she was ready to meet me so I could give her my documents. We met at Lynch Field and I was tempted to take a walk around their walking trail, but I had already walked the neighborhood and I had several things pending at home.

Just a few minutes ago the sun was reflected in the windows of the homes on the far hill. But now it’s cloudy and overcast. The fluffy clouds have all floated away.

There’s ironing to do later, and I should replenish the Coke, Mountain Dew and water in the little downstairs fridge. You never know when the kids will pop in and need something to drink!

On this date 24 years ago our beloved Charles Schulz passed away. Kelly made me a tribute collage and I still have it. PEANUTS and I were both born in 1950 – the first strip was published on October 2, 1950. Mr. Schulz’s life – and those of his characters – was very interesting and creative. I have a great respect for his talent and humor. He has brightened and delighted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, young and old. Thank you, Charles Schulz!

TRIVIA: In 1952 Queen Elizabeth was named “Time” Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year’.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 13th is:

Galentine’s Day (Look it up – it’s women celebrating their FRIENDS!); Get a Different Name Day; Fat Tuesday; Kiss Day; Mardi Gras; National Apology Day; National Cheddar day; World Radio Day; National Pancake Day (IHOP).

I sort of like my name, and undoubtedly I’ll have to apologize to someone before the day is out! Not a fan of cheddar put I do like pancakes! And I do like to listen to the radio. God bless…

First off, I will recap last night. It was late when I got back from ushering so I didn’t want to add anything to the day’s post. But as typical, I got a picture of the courthouse in town, which is blue this weekend.

The play (as mentioned) was Cabaret. It was almost a sold out performance, and there were a lot of younger people there. Bear did not have a lot of ushers so I was glad I could help out. The young girl (high school age) that helped me usher was to her own admission a ‘theater’ kid. Her mom was the director of this play. She said her favorite show (that she was in) was one of the orphans in ANNIE. She was very animated and you could tell she loved the theater.

We had quite a time with the Egyptian plagues in Sunday School. The kids did not understand the death angel at all. I think we are going to spend next week going over it again. I did make sure the parents knew what we had discussed.

We stopped Sunday School early to have a celebration for Shanelle. She loved her gifts and was very excited about a cross necklace and a girl’s devotion book that her class gave her, but she was also excited about the little stuffed unicorn. I was glad I remembered that she liked them; she had a unicorn jacket on this morning.

At the beginning of the church service Shanelle was baptized and professed her faith in Jesus and her desire to be a Christian. She just kept saying ‘I’m so excited!’ We will miss her, and since she’s moving to the state of Washington it’s unlikely we will see much of her. Please say a prayer for her and this move with her father. It will be a huge change and not an easy transition.

Todd’s message was EAGER TO SHARE – that is our purpose as Christians to share Jesus and the gospel. It should be our focus, to win people to Jesus. We can always say ‘I WAS… then JESUS… Now, I’m…’ Our weakness is buried with Christ and we are a new person. Just like Shanelle! Sometimes it IS hard to speak up, and we can’t do life without the Spirit – He’ll help us, because it’s for His glory. But He needs us, and uses us to reach others. Who is the one waiting for YOU to share?

Max and his brother JJ seem to come from a divided house! JJ and his dad are Team Forty-Niners, and Max is with his mom on Team Chiefs! So there’s a healthy family rivalry going on there. We’ll see who comes out on top!

TRIVIA: In his lifetime, Thomas Edison patented 1,093 inventions. We give him credit for ONE!!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 12th is:

National Football Hangover Day; Darwin Appreciation Day; National Hug Day; National Cleanout Your Computer day; National Lost Penny Day; National Poop Day.

I’ll take the hug, and the lost penny! I love finding pennies on the ground. Found one yesterday! God bless… Go Steelers! (Wait – they aren’t playing…)

Oh, Poop!

I took today to have a slow start – and spent about 45 minutes reading before I even got out of bed! I was almost finished reading the BREAKERS book and wanted to get through it. Took two sittings but I finished it. I thought it was much more complex and detailed – with TONS of twists and turns – than the Hallmark movie (which was still very good!).

I changed the sheets and washed them, threw on old clothes and took a walk to beat the rain that didn’t come! I showered and ate breakfast then ran errands. My intent was to make 3 stops – I totally forgot the first one until I was home! But Autmn txt me and asked for a ride to her mom’s. When I got to her place, I found out that Josie’s cousin (Josie is Autmn’s sister) wanted to spend the day with them, so we took a long detour and picked Arora up – with a short stop at Shop and Save to get a few items for Cameron. SO all in all my short little jaunt took me almost 4 hours!

When I got home it still wasn’t raining, so I took another walk – it was 60*! I came across a cat that truly was a FAT CAT! It’s a wonder it could walk. And the horses where outside their barn today.

Today is Chinese New Year – the year of the dragon. Reminds me of Puff the Magic Dragon. Everyone sing!

OH! And when I was on my way to Autmn’s there was an animal rescue set up outside Walmart, and the ‘cat’ agreed to have his picture taken!

Then I finally got the courage to put up the picture shelf I bought earlier in the week. The lady at the craftique shop gave me a hint about easy hanging and it worked. So now all I need is for my other two grandkids to graduate so I can add their senior pictures to the shelves!

Tonight I am ushering for Bear at the Civic Center then I’ll be done for the evening. We still have not seen the predicted rain which is ok with me! The double walks felt good today.

TRIVIA: On average, it takes people about 7 minutes to fall asleep. I’m definitely not average!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 11th is:

Super Bowl Sunday; National Peppermint Patty Day (the candy or the PEANUTS character??); Get out your Guitar Day; Don’t Cry over Spilled Milk Day; National Shut-In Visitation Day.

I won’t watch the super bowl – but good chance with the peppermint patty – both or either! No guitar and I don’t drink milk – so — whatever you do, enjoy. God bless…

I got a lot done in the morning even without actually meaning to accomplish that much. I made breakfast, did laundry, balanced my checkbook, paid some bills, and emptied the dishwasher. I also made an appointment to have a little spot checked on my face (dermatologist). By then it was time to pick up Christina.

We made a quick lunch first, then I found out that the interview was being videoed so I changed shirts and combed my hair! She had the questions already written out and they prompted a couple of crazy memories. She really seemed to enjoy hearing the answers and looking for some photos in my senior yearbook. Then she downloaded and transferred the video to her school file. It was actually fun to do!

Chrissy’s friend Hope walked over, and the girls made brownies. While they were baking I went for my walk. We transferred the brownies to a portable container and I gave them the icing, and then took the girls to Nate’s.

Autmn was there with Cameron so I got to see everyone but Jen, who was at work. It was fun seeing Cameron get so excited with us all fussing over him.

I headed down to Irwin to grab a few things – something for a little friend at Church who is moving out of state to live with her father. I hope it will help her remember her friends from Hempfield church.

TRIVIA: The answer to yesterday’s questions is PIANO – but I will accept Typewriter as well!! Today’s trivia is: on this date in 1964 the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 10th is:

National Home Warranty Day; National Cream Cheese Brownie Day; National Umbrella Day, Valentismas (Fun! Look it up!); Chinese New Year; National Flannel Day, Teddy Day.

No cream cheese, but we have brownies! I found another website so we’ll see if there are more interesting ‘national days’ that pop up. Eat a brownie! God bless…

It was a beautiful day! Almost 60*. I took a 1.24 mile walk after work and it was very comfortable. Then I came in and cleaned the whole house and washed a load of towels. It’s just now 8pm and I finally finished.

On the way home there was a train blocking the back entrance of Big Lots, Walmart, etc, across from Gabes. I feel like a little kid when I hear a train whistle! This is the second time this week a big black and yellow train came down those tracks. Fun!

Autmn txt me that Cameron did end up with a fever last night, and the only way he’d sleep was to hold her hand! At least they were both able to get some sleep. He was fine this morning.

I don’t think I mentioned that on Monday Nate had to get another cancer spot off his head, this one closer to the top. It was very small and shallow and the surgeon felt that they got it all. They have to wait for the pathology report to come back.

Again this morning my friend Tom posted a sunrise. It was beautiful. I saw the beginnings of the sunrise out my bedroom window but it wasn’t as spectacular as Tom’s picture.

Now it’s time to come up with something for supper. Autmn finished off the potato soup yesterday so I’ll find something else.

Trivia: Yesterday’s answer was FIVE – each sister had the same brother. Today’s trivia: What has many keys but can’t open a single lock? (I know this one!) Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Cut the Cord Day; National Pizza Day; National Bagel and Lox Day.

Tomorrow Christina has to ‘interview’ me (actually, a Hempfield Alumni, but she picked me!) so I’m picking her up at school in the morning. Hoping it doesn’t rain! God bless…

This morning I took Cameron to his 4 month checkup, complete with immunizations. He did really good but at the second of injection he screamed! Made me want to cry myself! But Autmn is good at consoling him. She had him in his little blue shark robe to keep warm and he looked so cute.

He took a few short naps but didn’t eat quite his normal amount. He definitely wanted to be held more, but he played on the floor with his little activity table and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for a long time. I hope he’s comfortable tonight. While Autmn was feeding Cameron I took a quick walk around the block. It was good to get a little fresh air.

This is short tonight – But really, all I did was help with Cameron. I work tomorrow so that will mix up the day a bit.

Trivia: Yesterday’s answer – The movie BIG. Trivia for today: Mary has four daughters, and each of her daughters has a brother. How many children does Mary have? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Giving Hearts Day; National Hearts Day; National Kite Flying Day; National Boy Scouts Day.

Since I didn’t clean today I’ll tackle that tomorrow after work. Maybe I’ll listen to Greg’s message and read a few chapters in my current book. I’m re-reading Murder at the Breakers to compare it closely with the movie. So far it’s a fair amount different but it’s super fun to have an image of the characters in my mind! Have a happy Thursday and God Bless…

I was able to arrange my day to drive out to Rural Valley for Connie’s husband Wayne’s viewing. It was very crowded and the line never let up for a second. Colleen was there at the same time and we stayed for a little over an hour. It was nice to meet Connie’s two daughters (and their husbands) and son, and her granddaughters. Colleen pointed out a few people to me that she knew, but mostly I only knew my cousin Gail and Connie’s sister Karen. Wayne was a farmer and they had little cows sitting on the photo table. Very touching.

Colleen said that today is her parents’ 65th wedding anniversary. They were planning to go over to Smicksburg to get something special to eat. Happy Anniversary, sweet couple! Here is a picture of their wedding day – My mom on the left, Aunt Joan, Uncle Clifford, and possibly Clifford’s brother Jim – not sure!

It was very crowded and the line was very long and stayed long. Once it was obvious that it wasn’t going to let up, Colleen and I left – there were plenty of people there for the family. I made a snap decision to turn down Sinktown Road and drive past all the familiar places. I just took my time, since I had cleared the whole day for my adventure.

When I went out Crooks Road (past Grama’s old house) and got to the end, I noticed that at the last farm one of the horses was running loose. The black horse was looking on – probably wondering why he was stuck while his buddy was running free!

After a quick stop at Walmart for a few items, I drove by Kathy’s to drop off the memorial leaflet from the funeral home for her. Then I came home and took a 1.23 mile walk before setting about answering emails and having a cup of tea. Once I post this I’ll be done for the evening except for supper.

Trivia: What movie earned Tom Hanks his first Academy Award nomination? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 7th is:

National Girls & Women in Sports Day; National Periodic Table Day; National Fettuccine Alfredo Day; National Send A Card To A Friend Day.

For me it’s take Cameron to his doctor’s appointment day! Four month checkup! I’ve sent out about a dozen cards to friends in the past few weeks so maybe that won’t get done. Have a happy Wednesday! God bless…

Worked both stores, and had a few things to do at each one. Came home and had a salad for lunch, started a load of laundry, and took a walk. Autmn txt me to watch Cameron for an hour or so which was fine. Figured I’d better quick do the ironing as it would be later when Cameron left. Here’s a yard sign I saw on my walk; I think it was left over from Christmas because they still had their lights up!

Cameron was asleep when he got here, but as soon as he woke up and had a diaper change he was laughing and talking. He likes his toes, and when he’s sleepy he tries to sing! I put a little play table sideways and he was batting the little knobs and buttons to make them play. Then he gets excited! He’s a good baby.

Trivia answer from yesterday was Scotland! Today’s trivia: Cutting out meat for one day a week can lower your risk of certain health issues.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW February 6th is:

National Chopsticks Day; Safer Internet Day (U.S.); National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day.

I need to get supper and get organized for tomorrow. I have something going on every day this week. I’ll try to pace myself! Have a great week – God bless…

I decided that I was going to try to drink more water every day. So, that sort of backfired. I was up every hour going to the bathroom. I felt like a bag of popcorn – up, down, up down. But I’m still going to try to drink the water – just maybe not quite so much, at least to start with. I’m feeling sleepy right now – the only thing helping is the beautiful sunshine!

Our Sunday School lesson was the 10 plagues. As I predicted, the boys were all in! They had lots of support stories about blood and flies and frogs. I txt Mary and said we had better stick to 5 plagues today and 5 next Sunday and it’s a good thing we did. There was a lot of time spent discussing their personal experiences in addition to those of the Egyptians! I think they had a good time. They thought it would be interesting to see a frog sitting on my head…

When I got home I decided to bite the bullet (not the frog) and wash the Jeep. A trip to Smicksburg and several to Nate’s did a number on the car. I bundled up in layers, got my soapy water and rags ready, hooked up the hose, and dragged the step-stool outside – and realized that I had turned the spigot off inside for the winter. SO… I had to go inside and climb up on the step stool and turn the water back on behind the laundry tub. It was a little chilly but it was worth the effort. I’d be embarrassed if the guys got a customer on my car and I had to switch out a filthy vehicle. All good!

I made a pretty good salad for lunch – lettuce, cauliflower, carrots, celery, boiled egg, cheese, and chicken. Plus a small piece of garlic bread. I’m saving the potato soup (which I did make last night) for supper or tomorrow.

Friday night I watched MURDER AT THE BREAKERS and really enjoyed it. Of course it was somewhat different from the book, but all in all it was a pretty good adaptation. The fun thing was the setting, and the characters, and the story line was easy to follow while still weaving a mystery though the clues and the hints. I hope Hallmark keeps going and picks up more of Alyssa’s books. I’d be super excited if my book was picked up as a movie, especially for Hallmark!

Trivia: Unicorn is the national animal of what country? Answer tomorrow.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 5th is:

National Shower with a Friend Day; National Weatherperson’s Day.

No shower for me, thanks – Tomorrow is a work day and do some laundry. Have a happy Monday! God bless…