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…

I woke up with sunshine streaming in the windows. Maybe Phil was right… But it’s still winter! I changed and washed my bed sheets, and remade the day bed in the Flag room where Logan slept since I washed the sheets and aired the bed clothes. I still have to iron.

Got word yesterday that our Skunk Hollow cousin Connie’s husband passed away yesterday. He had been having health issues for the past year, but any loss is a hard loss. Please keep Connie and her family in your prayers as they say goodbye to Wayne.

Today was the day: I cut up my cauliflower and celery, shredded the carrot, and made the cream of cauliflower soup that we had at the Life Group Kickoff last week. It was very good! I also marinated and baked the left-over chicken from the soup Kelly and I made on Monday. I will use it for salads. I want to do potato soup but whether that will be today or tomorrow is yet to be determined.

Just had a txt from Kathy, and she and Paul are both not feeling well. They had a pretty full schedule for the next 3 days but sometimes life hands you a FREE SPACE – like it or not. Hopefully a few days of rest and recuperation will put them back at the top of their game! Fell better quickly, guys!!

I forgot to post the picture of Cameron making friends with my little stuffed purple Maine Moose. A friend from Smail’s (Jenn) bought that for me in a trip she and her mom took to Maine (her favorite place!) a few years before I retired. He really loves talking to it and hugging it!

TRIVIA: Explore different budgeting methods to find one that works for you. What works for someone else may not be right for you.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 4th is:

National Hemp Day; National Homemade Soup Day; National Create a Vacuum Day; National Thank A Mail Carrier Day.

HEMP is what Hempfield Township was named for. And I will certainly be having homemade soup tomorrow. After church! God bless…

Before I even got a shower this morning I had a txt that Punxy Phil did NOT see his shadow. That means (if you trust a rodent!) that spring will be early this this. I think it’s a very fun tradition and seems to be safe (for the most part) but spring is 6 weeks from today no matter how you slice it!

Again, here’s a reminder of my aunt’s collection. She has fun getting them out every year!

And just a little history (if you didn’t know or forgot) The first Groundhog Day celebration was held in 1877 at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. The tradition of using a rodent to predict weather dates back much earlier and was brought to the US by German immigrants. Today the celebrations are led by the Inner Circle, a group wearing top hats and who speak in Pennsylvania Dutch. Sidenote: This year Gov Josh Shapiro attended the ceremony!)

So — after that excitement, I did several loads of laundry, did a bit more cleaning, paid bills, ran an errand, took some donated items to Nate’s for Jen’s Ninth Life rescue, then went to pick up Autmn and Cameron in Mt. Pleasant. We had a nice day – I played with Cameron, fed him, gave him several naps, had lengthy conversations, and changed a few diapers. Autmn got a shower, made herself lunch, watched one of her shows (on her phone – Cameron and I were dominating the TV!), washed all of Cameron’s dishes and bottles, made chocolate chip cookies for Noah, and then she played with Cameron and I cleaned up the cookie dishes (not many).

I know you all probably get tired of seeing Cameron pictures – but he’s growing so fast! He had little tennis shoes on today! He’s laughing and ‘talking’ and even rolling over from his back to his tummy. He grabs and holds things, and when he doesn’t want to go to sleep he snatches his binky out of his mouth and tosses it! He loves music and TV and moving lights, and loves kicking his play arch that makes animal sounds when he kicks the buttons. I think his favorite is the dog! Anyway, it was fun to have an afternoon with them.

Tonight on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Alyssa Maxwell’s MURDER AT THE BREAKERS is premiering! Kathy and I have read all of her books to date. It’s very exciting and I’m so looking forward to it (9pm).

Trivia:

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Today’s birthdays: My cousin Danny, who passed away this past year, was born on Groundhog day – Miss you Dan! Also, my friend Diane’s daughter Shannon’s birthday is today. On her 50th birthday (a few years ago) she finally got to go to Gobbler’s Knob, and even got a photo taken with some key participants. Happy birthday, Shannon!

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

National Play Outside Day; Four Chaplains Day; Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; National Missing Persons Day; National Women Physicians Day; National Carrot Cake Day; National The Day The Music Died Day.

I’m guessing that you can figure out that tomorrow is the anniversary of the plane crash that took Buddy Holly and two other music artists. Far too young… I could play outside, and have ice cream for breakfast. So far as I know, I’m not missing any people – unless I miss my Mom and my grama and my step daughter and Dad…. God bless….

It was a longer work day than I’m used to – but I liked being busy and helpful. Rege and I had a conversation about – believe it or not – snakes! He doesn’t mind them if he knows they aren’t poisonous. He’ll pick them up, no problem. Freaks me out just thinking about it!

After work (and a stop to help out Mike P) I got gas for the Jeep and stopped to run two errands. I was out of dishwasher detergent and heaven forbid I actually hand-wash dishes. Actually I do that a lot! I got home about 2:30pm and re-heated some French fries (I know, I know – sad!) from supper last night. Then I set about cleaning the rest of the house. All the chores are done now except ironing. That may wait until tomorrow.

One of the things I wanted to get was a red tea towel for Valentine’s day. Couldn’t believe I didn’t have one. I did find a really nice set (two of them together) at Ross. I’m not a fan of romantic decorations, so these were perfect!

I was planning on watching Cameron tomorrow for Autmn to help her mom, but those plans changed. So I offered them to come up here tomorrow or Saturday. We’ll see what their plans are – it will probably be last minute. I also have to pay bills. Almost forgot!

Trivia: Before that first sip of coffee in the morning, drink a glass of water so you start the day hydrated. (Good advise.)

As of today I am not posting birthdays unless they are people I know!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day: Actually, I changed my wooden Snoopy calendar. All ready for February!

TOMORROW February 2nd is:

National Tater Tot Day; Bubble Gum Day; National Wear Red Day; National Heavenly Hash Day; National Groundhog Day.

I’ve never been to Gobbler’s Knob, even though it’s only a few miles from my Aunt’s house and right in the area of our family ‘stomping’ grounds. It will be a very big deal out there tomorrow. Here’s a picture of my cousin Allen and his wife Bonnie hanging out in Punxy today! God bless…

I can’t believe today is the last day of January. One whole month of 2024 is already gone. Did I make the best use of those days? Did I do something good for someone to make their life happier or better? I will strive to do more in February.

Kelly and I were pretty low key this morning, reading and doing computer work and feeding the boys. They were both still coughing and neither one was at their best. They left a little after 1pm and it took me half an hour to acclimate myself to their absence. Then I dug in and cleaned the flag bedroom, both bathrooms and the entire downstairs. I needed to deep clean to chase the germs away and hopefully can avoid illness. I will finish cleaning upstairs tomorrow after work.

I emptied the dishwasher and took the trash up to the road for morning, then got cleaned up and went to Bible Study. It was very intense and in addition to feeling sad about the boys being sick, and not seeing Cameron all week, and missing Kelly, that was just hard. And the acoustics in the welcome center are sort of echo-y. So I guess I’m just being a Debbie Downer! TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY, as Scarlett O’Hara would say! But… Shelagh made sheet cake for snack so all was not lost. I only ate half. Too much sugar, but very good!

Here are two pictures of Cam that Autmn sent me. He spent the day with his dad. I have missed seeing him this week. Maybe Friday!

TRIVIA – the correct spelling is: accommodate. Today’s trivia is a quote from Lucille Ball: The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.

Birthdays, etc, for January 31st: 1734 – Robert Morris – Founding Father (signer of the Declaration of Independence) – not to be confused with Christopher Morris, my friend Gen’s older son, who celebrates his birthday today. Happy birthday, Chris! 1981-Justin Timberlake – singer/songwriter; In 1865 General Robert E Lee was named commander in chief of the confederate army;

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW February 1st is:

National Dark Chocolate Day; Optimist Day; National Texas Day; National Get Up Day; National Baked Alaska Day.

Dark Chocolate is my favorite. And I hate to say it but I am NOT an optimist. My aunt used to make Baked Alaska. Haven’t had it in decades! Happy February — God bless…

This morning when we got up there was a robin on the fence. I don’t think it got the memo that it’s still January! Kelly and I each got our showers, had breakfast, and went on with the day. Hope that little bird-guy can keep warm enough and find food!

Kelly was working on crocheting a red/white/blue tossel cap and making a tee-shirt order for a sports team project. She stopped long enough to help me put up the Valentine decorations. I don’t have much but it still takes some time to get things organized.

Chase is asleep on the couch – he’s not feeling well. So I can half-way predict what’s in my future! But we’re all taking extra precautions and hopefully no one else will get sick.

I haven’t heard from any of the other Burkes. So I’m guessing all is well or I would have got an S.O.S! Not sure what this group is doing with the rest of our day. Kelly already has a full plate, Logan is playing video games, Chase is napping, and I’m working on this post. We always enjoy whatever we do so it will be a good day regardless.

TRIVIA – answer to yesterday’s joke is : He had a hard drive. (haha) Today’s trivia is: Which is the correct spelling? accommodate; acommodate; accomodate. Answer tomorrow.

Birthdays for today, January 30th: 1882 – Franklin D. Roosevelt, U S President; 1961 – ‘I Fall to Pieces’ by Patsy Cline released. Today would have been my friend Bill Smail’s 74th birthday. Still miss him….

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW January 31st is:

National Hot Chocolate Day; Inspire Your Heart With Art Day; National Backward Day.

The kids love hot chocolate. When Chase wakes up maybe we can make some. Have a happy day – God bless…

THANK YOU to all who were praying for Nate today. He called me at 10:15am and he was already home and settled in. The procedure was easy and quick and they got everything in the first round. He was feeling good and very relieved. He’s restricted in activities until at least Wednesday but he is happy to be home and done. THANK YOU! God is good, all the time.

There were no deals (except pending finance) in Jeannette, and I did everything in Greensburg. I had just enough time to leave to get Chrissy at the school at 11am. She needed to stop at an ATM to get money for a school field trip, so we headed to 7-11. There was an accident on Route 136 – a Honda ran into a tree in someone’s yard. Can’t quite figure out what happened. But 7-11 did not have power and they were closed, so we went through Youngwood on the way home and stopped at Sheetz. All good!

Autmn had to postpone her visit, so I had most of the afternoon free until Kelly got here. I called her and got the shopping list, then went over to Aldi. They got here about 4:30pm and we immediately started the Chicken soup. Logan had an egg salad sandwich and Chase ate grilled cheese. Kelly and I are waiting for the soup.

Gen and I spent an hour on the phone this evening. It’s always a great blessing to spend time with Gen – on the phone or in person or even in my vast supply of memories! Love you, Gen!

Tomorrow we are putting up what little Valentine decorations that I have. She brought me Snoopy Hershey Kisses last weekend so they are already out. I think we will keep tomorrow low key – unless Autmn/Cameron and/or Chrissy decided to come up.

Trivia: Bad joke – Why was the robot so tired after his road trip? Answer tomorrow…

Birthdays, etc, for January 29th: 1737 – Thomas Payne (author, Common Sense); 1756 – “Light Horse Harry” Henry Lee III- calveryman, statesman and congressman, Colony of Virginia; 1843 – William McKinley, US President; 1874 – John D Rockefeller Jr – philanthropist (Funded and backed reconstruction of Colonial Williamsburg); 1918 – John Forsythe, American actor; 1945 – Tom Selleck, American actor; 1954 – Oprah Winfrey – Talk show hostess.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW January 30th is:

National Plan for Vacation Day; National Croissant Day.

Tomorrow, for me, is visit with Kelly and the boys day! And decorate for Valentine’s Day. And eat homemade soup day. And just… whatever. We’ve already planned out our vacation. God bless…

** WARNING! The last post on this page contains graphic image. Proceed cautiously… ***

It was good to have Mary back in class today! Our lesson was about Moses and the burning bush and the kids all learned something. Mary spent some time telling us about her cruise to the Bahamas on the Vision of the Sea. We were all in awe of the whole thing!

Todd’s message was BE A SERVENT – the way to be greatest is to be a servant (John 13:1). Jesus says about his disciples, “He loved them to the end.” Not only the end of His earthly life, but beyond. To be a servant, first you have to get up! You can’t be a servant from your armchair! And concerning the apparent ‘unlovable’, instead of criticizing, serve.

Now, back to yesterday. Kelly and I picked up Kathy at 7;30 and headed north. Everything was ready for us and we dove right in. Jason, Nate, and Dave did the cutting and trimming; Sarah, JP, and Lynn helped with the trimming, and Kelly, Kathy and I wrapped. When we had a small lull in the wrapping, Lynn and I went over to Donna’s store and got cheese orders for almost everyone. Then we stopped at the Bulk Food store. I got white chocolate and milk chocolate, and Lynn got several items, including popcorn, which they love as a snack.

Aunt Joan was the official supervisor, and Uncle Clifford threw in a word of advice every now and then, as well as being official knife-sharpener. Mazie was our guard dog. At lunch time we took a minute to sing Happy Birthday to Kelly. We didn’t have a match, so she had to make-believe blow out her candle! Kelly brought two dozen of her gourmet cupcakes (strawberry and Reese’s) and they were a huge hit (in addition to my vanilla cake with cream cheese icing).

We worked hard and long, had great conversations, and there was a lot of laughing. Lynn rode home with us, and we were laughing so hard I almost choked on a swallow of Pepsi and very nearly ran the Jeep into a Dunkin’ Donut! When you put Lynn and Kathy into the same space, it’s like two teenagers! They are a fearsome duo and we had a great time! – Home safe at 8pm – but Lynn had a 20 minute drive from there and Kelly had an hour. We are so blessed to have these wonderful people in our life, and the offer of an experience that most people cannot even imagine!

Trivia:

Birthdays, etc, for January 28th: 1863 – Ernst William Christmas, Australian painter. I never heard of him, did you? Could he be Father Christmas??; 1936 – Alan Alda, American Actor (M*A*S*H); in 1813 Pride and Prejudice is published. 1986 – Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after lift-off;

PEANUTS Thought of the Day:

TOMORROW January 29th is:

National Bubble Wrap Day; National Corn Chip Day; National Puzzle Day.

I’ll take the corn chips! And maybe a piece of left-over cake :). Kelly and the 2 younger boys are coming up tomorrow. I am picking up Christina from school at 11am, and then bringing Autmn and Cameron up. Nate is having skin cancer surgery on his head behind his ear. Please keep that in your prayers – it’s a pretty intense surgery! Thank you, and God bless…