I had a little issue pop up last evening (just a frustration) and I kept going over and over it in my mind. Then I couldn’t fall asleep! I know I’ll be ready to head to bed this evening. But I woke up and got a shower, and felt refreshed and ready for the day.

I loaded all the little items I needed to take to Kelly and headed down Interstate 70 about 8:30am. It was cold but sunny and nice and I made good time. Our first stop was Walmart, and she found a few things she needed. I stumbled (figuratively) across Snoopy window clings and was very excited! Also picked up a card of little star decorations to hang in the kitchen.

She surprised me with the shirt that she designed from a post card I got in Williamsburg back in April. I love it! And it’s a great color. It’s the coordinates for Williamsburg, my happy place!

We also stopped at Gabe’s. I had some ideas but nothing panned out. I did find a Christmas sparkle tee shirt that was less than $3. Just for fun!

We also stopped at Big Lots, which was in the same plaza as the tech school that Logan is attending. So now I got to see where is classes are!

Of course we picked Chick Fil-A for lunch. We had nugget meals, and Kelly got her requisite Peppermint milkshake! We went to Hobby Lobby next. That store is amazing! And all their Christmas things were 50% off. I did pick up a few small gifts there, and the Christmas colored sprinkles that I couldn’t find anywhere here.

When we were leaving I spotted a purple Mitsubishi in the parking lot. Maybe I could get Barry or Joe to find one for me! As I was heading home down I-70 it zoomed past me!

But we had a lovely day, shopping and talking and sharing ideas and info. It’s a great delight and privilege to spend the day with my sweet daughter! Blessings abound!

Kathy forwarded a copy of HDS (Hearing and Deaf Services) newsletter. She was featured employee! So proud of her!

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TOMORROW November 21st is:

World Television Day; World Hello Day; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Red Mitten Day; National Stuffing Day.

Stuffing day will be Thursday. Say hello all the time – that’s how friendships start! There is a red mitten in my Christmas story. God bless!!!

I was already in bed (reading) last night when Autmn sent me the photo of Cameron with Santa. Noah’s grandfather is a ‘professional’ Santa and agreed to let Cameron visit for photos. Cameron seemed to have made friends with Santa already!

Today was our Serve Sunday at Hempfield Church. There were several groups going out into the community after an early church service.

Some options of service were helping with the soup kitchen in Latrobe, yard clean up, minor home repair. Fixing a sidewalk and repairing a fence and helping seniors with home projects. Our group (headed by Patty Buschek) went to Mountain View Memory Care at Willow Crossing Road.

Many of the residents there gathered in the common room to listen and to sing along. Patty is amazing – she played and sang for an hour, and didn’t have a book or any music in front of her. Never ceases to amaze me. But the people gathered around loved the sing-along. There was one lady who reminded me of Mom. She had silver hair, a sweet smile, and knew every word to every song! She was even wearing Snoopy slippers!

We sang hymns, Thanksgiving songs, and Christmas Carols. It was fun seeing them so animated and participating. I was the photographer, and sent photos to Todd when I got home.

Todd’s message was about generosity from Acts 20:35. GIVE! Sometimes we have to give by grace because it’s difficult during trying times. 1) Joy is our best medicine, and giving produces joy. Be generous time and time again, with your time, talent, and money. 2) Be generous. Give more than you think you can. 3) Give because of what Christ did for us. Can we do less?

As mentioned, the month of December’s sermons will be Home for Christmas. It was delightful to see the Welcome Center and the Sanctuary decorated for Christmas; homey and warm and bright! I loved every little thing – even the twinkle lights on the stage. They were really flashy!

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TOMORROW November 20th is:

World Children’s Day; National Absurdity Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; National Child’s Day.

Tomorrow for me is a short trip to Washington (PA) to shop with Kelly. Hope we can accomplish what we need to. Either way, we’ll have a great day just being together! God bless…

Normally I at least have one thing that I did during the day that I could document — today, not so much.

I did change my sheets and wash them. Oh, yea… After breakfast I drove down to the Grandview Fire Hall Flea Market. They had honey there – local, from Jeannette – so that saved me a trip to Irwin to get it. I bought a little Snoopy insulated bag and a very nice (brand new) canvas shopping bag. Still had the tags on.

The title work appointment I had went smoothly – the customers were impressed with the process compared to the last one they had. I guess it took forever and was very expensive. So they felt comfortable with today. I came home and had a little ham and cheese roll snack.

Every Skunk Hollow Cousin event that we have I try to write a little essay or story to share – it started back when we first started our Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest event. Susan always asked me to write something fun for us. So now I do it partly to honor Susan (and at Beth’s requests!) and partly because it always stirs up fun memories for us! So I just finished a little story today, and hope that it creates warmth for our cousin group.

We picked Beef Day – January 27th! Kelly’s birthday. So if she goes, we will have to sing to her!

Not much else to report. Have a lovely Sunday and enjoy!

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TOMORROW November 19th is:

World Toilet Day (??? Is this really necessary? The day, not the toilet…); National Play Monopoly Day; National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day.

I guess just celebrate the best you can and God bless!!!

I got up earlier than usual for a Friday, and the sunrise was beautiful. As usual my friend Tom posted a picture, as well!

Then I mixed up homemade bread. I let it rise the standard amount of times and just formed it into loaves. It’s resting now until ready to bake.

It’s pouring down rain – I knew we expected rain but did not realize it would rain hard all afternoon. It’s so dreary. I am glad Autmn, Cameron and I finished our shopping and are tucked inside. Noah is still at work.

Autmn is holding a sleeping baby and watching season six of THE CROWN. In the episode we are watching now Princess Diana just died in the car accident. It’s very sad, especially for the boys.

Autmn said that she baked a special cake for Noah’s 21st birthday. I should have posted it on Sunday but it got away from me. So happy belated birthday, Noah!!!

Cameron had an entertaining time in his play space after lunch. He likes his little book, and also the music in the pack n play. He was good today. Autmn and I stopped and got a few warm sleepers to get Cameron through the next few months. Then she made herself lunch while I finished feeding him.

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TOMORROW November 18th is:

National Princess Day; National Adoption Day; National Vichyssoise Day; European Antibiotic Awareness Day; Mickey Mouse Birthday.

Yea for Mickey Mouse – 95! And all of us (little girl or grown up girl) are a princess, so celebrate your life! YOU are special. God bless…

I had deals at both stores today, stopped at the store to get beef gravy for my meatloaf, and picked up some things from Diane on my way home. She is leaving Wednesday or Thursday for her Granddaughter’s wedding in Wisconsin. Praying for safe travels and no bad weather! That’s a long drive – 11 hours without stops.

The first thing I did after lunch was to suit up and cut the grass. It solved the leaf problem because the mower mulched them. I did a final weed-whacking for the year and blew the spaces clean. That should hopefully be it for the year!

Once I was inside I made the ham and cheese rolls, and also a batch of cinnamon muffins. I ate 2 small rolls when they were done, and plan to have a muffin with a cup of tea for supper later.

As I sit and type the solar flowers are changing colors. Kelly called and we are planning to meet in Washington PA for our shopping trip on Monday. I’m ready!

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TOMORROW November 17th is:

International Students’ Day; National Butter Day; Substitute Educators Day; World Prematurity Day; National Homemade Bread Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Baklava Day.

I hear that there is to be a meteor shower tomorrow. And Autmn, Cameron and I are going shopping then coming here for the afternoon. I also plan to make homemade bread! Have a lovely day. God bless…

*NOTE! I think my computer has a virus and the post didn’t go through last night. But all is well. Thanks, Beth, for checking!

So, the meatloaf last night was not up to standard. I think I added too much garlic powder. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I may get a jar of beef gravy tomorrow and see if that helps. Ugh.

So, since I worked at cleaning all day I don’t have anything exciting. Didn’t hear from anyone except a guy (2, actually) who needs title work done. I have to check with my boss to verify the Saturday hours. The other one is tomorrow so I can do that in the morning.

Today’s post is just sharing photos from my friends. The first one is from Diane – her daughter (who lives in Florida) sent a pic of a double rainbow. I think the picture looks like a giant bubble.

The only other thing is several sunsets that friends posted. God was painting amazing pictures in the sky tonight!

Please add Kelly to the prayer list – she txt me last night that she was feeling horrid – so we had to cancel our plans for today. Just praying that she feels better quickly – we can reschedule our time together whenever she gets well!

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TOMORROW November 16th is:

World Pancreatic Cancer Day; International Check Your Wipers Day; International Day for Tolerance; National Rural Health Day; National Indiana Day; Great American Smokeout; National Button Day.

If you are a smoker, consider making an effort to quit – do it for YOU! And I like buttons! God bless…

There was only one small thing to do in Jeannette, aside from debriefing with Sir Rege :). I didn’t go to Greensburg because Joe just got back from Florida and brought an illness with him. He advised me to wait until Thursday, which I am doing. I stopped at Walmart on the way home and got my Thanksgiving groceries, including the turkey. I had to clean out the freezer to fit it in but all is well.

Autmn, Noah and Cameron stopped here for Noah’s birthday card, and I offered to keep Cameron while they ran errands. I have been so caught up in the schedule and the hectic pace that I neglected to realize that I was missing my baby hugs! We had some great conversations (although he doesn’t contribute much), snuggle time, food, and naps (his, not mine). I was happy to have him, and he was a very good baby!

While he was playing in his pack n play I was able to do some ironing, pay a few bills online, and catch up totals in my checkbook. And I still had plenty of time to spend with Cameron.

Once they left, I mixed up a meatloaf and stuck it in the oven for dinner later. I emptied the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen and put the laundry away. It’s been a calm day and relaxing.

Quick update on Beth – surgery went very well and she can already see better. And she’s feeling comfortable! God is good, all the time!

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TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Education Support Professionals Day; National Bundt Day; National Raisin Bran Cereal Day; National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day; National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day; National Philanthropy Day; America Recycles Day.

My fridge is clean. Let’s go with that! Have a great Wednesday. God bless…

It’s colder today than I thought it would be with the bright sun. It is now setting behind the hill across the street and will soon be totally dark. Last night my deck lights where playing tricks on me so I unplugged them. Today I did some wiggling of plugs and light strings and they seem to be working normally.

I worked both stores, got stuck in traffic in front of Barnes & Noble, stopped at the post office to get stamps, put gas in the Nissan, deposited a check in the bank, stopped at Aldi for cookie baking supplies. After lunch I wiped out the dirty oven, did a load of laundry, washed a few windows, filled the soap dispensers, and answered a few emails. So wonder what I can get into next?

Today was a tough day for the Skunk Hollow girls, so here is the prayer requests – please take a moment to lift them up! Beth is having cataract surgery tomorrow. Gail and husband Jack are getting over COVID and Gail is having a tough time recovering. Connie’s husband Wayne – who is in a nursing facility – also has COVID, along with about 40 residents and staff in the facility. Kathy is fighting a lingering cold (not COVID), and Karen V is still trying to correct a back issue that keeps her in constant pain. So please remember them often in prayer. Thank you!

Even though the day was busy, it wasn’t ‘crazy’ and it wasn’t ‘exciting’. That’s OK – I had a comfortable day, and have a Hallmark Christmas Movie that I hope to watch later over dinner. Have a lovely day!

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TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Seat Belt Day; National Family PJ Day; World Diabetes Day; National Spicy Guacamole Day; National Pickle Day.

My family would never wear matching PJ’s! I think they are cute! They would have to include Snoopy. God bless!

Sunday school was a bit of a challenge this morning, but we got the lesson across and the kids had fun. Jackson was excited to get his puzzle together in record time! His mom said that Jackson and Cody talk about Miss Mary & I all the time – they love class! And Max came flying into the classroom with a little gift for me. After the trying week I had it almost made me cry! He was SO excited to give it to me!

Todd introduced his sermons for the rest of the year – December sermons will be HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. I’m excited to hear them! Today’s topic was UNITY- we forget that Satan is the enemy, not each other’s opinions. We need to remember that 1) We need each other. 2) Always share what you stand FOR, not what you are AGAINST. Believe the best in people and situations. 3) Love like Jesus loved – we are not always right but we should always be loving. Sort of like my favorite quote: It’s better to be kind than to be right.

Gen posted a picture of her granddaughter Hadley – who lives in Denver – running her first 5K. GIRLS ON THE RUN. Her dad (Gen’s younger son Daniel) was her support coach. Good job, Hadley!

I had a bagel for lunch, then rearranged my living room. I did not like the layout – it was crowded and made navigating the space tricky. So now it’s back to open spaces and easy access to the stereo – which is vital!

After that I put on my leaf-raking clothes and went out to clean up the small bit of leaves in the yard. I only filled one additional bag.

Although I have been intimidated by my baking and some cooking capabilities, I mixed up a batch of Candy Cane cookies. Disaster. They do taste just fine, but the kitchen was a total mess and the cookies look like they were trampled by an elephant. I tried to use red sugar left over from the peanut blossoms but that didn’t actually work. So half way through I switched to regular sugar which worked better. They are tucked in the freezer. Two more kinds to make before the holidays – but not this week!

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TOMORROW November 13th is:

World Kindness Day; National Indian Pudding Day.

See! Kindness is SO important! Be kind to someone tomorrow – and every day. God bless…

THANK YOU to all the veterans, all their sacrifices, all the time they spent away from their homes and families. We have the freedoms that we do today because of all of them. From George Washington, Lafayette, General Grant, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Westmoreland — to my uncles and friends and of course my dad, who was in Korea. THANK YOU!!!

Kathy and I went to Smicksburg this morning. The day was cool and cloudy for the most part, but we were plenty warm and comfortable. We looked around at our favorite stores, bought cheese and chocolate at Donna’s store and at the Amish bulk food outlet. For lunch we had hot dogs from Donna’s, Smicksburg Country Store.

Colleen was working at the store, and so was her cousin Michelle. We also saw our cousin Allen’s son Bob and his wife Jody. It’s always so fun to see family on our trips to Smicksburg. We also saw LOTS of horses in the pasture across the street.

The Farmhouse Finery had a really pretty display of blue and white snowman. Gave it a very festive and fresh look!

Kathy made the remark that the street looked like something out of a Hallmark movie! It was very busy and all the stores were crowded. We had a good day shopping and catching up.

I stopped back at Miller’s Crossing on the way home and got the shelf. The measurements were exactly right – I was able to just take the old shelf and mirror down and put the new shelf up. Then I coated it with Lemon Oil. Gives the bathroom a new look!

Since we ate lunch in Smicksburg I took the time to melt down the block of chocolate I bought at the Amish store and did an entire bag of pretzels. Autmn mentioned being hungry for them, so I made some for Thanksgiving and will do more (the holiday shaped ones!) for Christmas. Maybe tomorrow I’ll do a batch of cookies.

GODWINK CHRISTMAS is on the Hallmark channel so I am listening to that while I type. Then I’ll grab something for supper. Still have ironing to do and two checks to write out!

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TOMORROW November 12th is:

World Pneumonia Day; National French Dip Day; National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day; National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day.

I’m not going to get pneumonia to celebrate – I’d just have to make chicken soup to get better! I’ll take a low key day tomorrow. God bless…