It was wonderful to wake up to a beautiful, sunny day with the birds singing. I had an English muffin for breakfast, then went to my eye appointment. All was well with that; my vision didn’t change at all, so I didn’t need new glasses. I had considered getting new ones anyway so I would have two pair. The cost (over $350.00) seemed excessive when it wasn’t necessary. So I am holding off for now. I can order them any time within a year. Doesn’t seem practical.

I worked both stores, and reminded Kenny that he hadn’t done the Criminal Backgrounds for 2022. So it’s good to know we’re all crime-free!

After a quick bite of lunch, I changed clothes and went out to do yard work. I weed-whacked first, then cut the grass. Finally I took the blower and cleaned off the paths and steps and walks. The azaleas are starting to bloom – the pink one in the front is fully bloomed and the red one beside it is just beginning. The purple one under the back deck is blooming also. The other two purple ones are still in bud. The pretty blue ‘comfort’ is blooming too, and they are such pretty leaves!

So that took all afternoon, but it looks so nice. Now it’s almost 6pm, so I’ll finish this then get the ironing done.

May 9 – Do you remember any childhood songs or rhymes? “Little Boy Blue; Baa Baa Black Sheep; Little Miss Muffet. Mary Had a Little Lamb was a song all the kids knew and could sing.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was New England, and the picture posted was White Mountain National Forest. I’ve never been there, but I’ve been to New England in the fall, and to several of these places:

Calendar Inspiration – What will you pick and choose for success and satisfaction at the day’s end?

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TOMORROW May 10th is:

• National Clean Up Your Room Day
• National Lipid Day
• National Shrimp Day
• National Washington Day

The next few days are to be sunny and warm! So excited! I plan to enjoy each drop of sunshine that comes past. Have a wonderful week. God bless…

The sun is shining! Still cooler than I would like it to be, but I’ll take the sunshine. When I finish this I’m going outside for a bit, making sure I dress more warmly.

When I went upstairs to bed last night I noticed my neighbor added a lighted American Flag to his back yard display. Looks amazing!

Mother’s Day! So many layers. I miss my mom, and the person she was and who she will always be in my heart. I honor and support all my friends who are mothers and caregivers, and those who sacrifice in giving so much through their faithful love! I cherish the mothers in my family who make a difference in the lives of their children and grandchildren. They are all precious to me, and help me every day by being examples and encouragers. Thank you!

Here’s to you, Mom! Love you still!

First thing this morning I got a txt message from my friend Bear, who always remembers me on holidays – thank you! And I got a lovely, loving message from Autmn, just after this picture popped up on my memory feed on Facebook from 10 years ago!

Our Sunday School class made crafts for their moms this morning, thanks to Mary’s creativity. Here are the pictures of the kids with their flowers:

May 8 – Relate your family Mother’s Day traditions. “We tried to find a wild flower to bring to mom & she would plant it in the flower bed. Grandma got a small gift from us also. It was something we had made.” It’s fun – especially today (Mother’s day) – to try and picture Mom doing these things with her family!

Today is Chrissy’s friend Hope’s birthday. Fifteen! Happy birthday, young lady. Many, many more!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Antigua and that was the picture posted. Here are other things to see and do:

Calendar Inspiration – the description of “MOM”

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TOMORRW May 9th is:

• National Home Front Heroes Day *
• National Alphabet Magnet Day *
• National Butterscotch Brownie Day
• National Lost Sock Memorial Day
• National Moscato Day
• National Sleepover Day
• National Women’s Checkup Day

Sleepover! It’s been a long time since I’ve done that, unless you count Kelly and the boys. And if I count them, we’ll be having one on Thursday and Friday! Yea! Happy sunny Sunday. God bless…

I have been busy all morning – changing & washing bed sheets, balancing the checkbook, organizing and cleaning. I also spent some time looking for extra photos of Mom & Dad’s wedding. Joanna asked for them to be displayed with Mom’s wedding dress. I found about six; I labeled them all, and dated them, and even copied their marriage license. I will drop them off to Joanna one day this week after work.

Part of the privilege of being an ARC reader is to post a review. So I am including my review here as well as on Amazon. A Secret in the Tides is the third book by Fiona Baker in her Sea Breeze Cove series.  It’s so easy to become invested in the lives of four friends, all in different stages of life and relationships.  These friends each bring a unique quality and perspective to the friendships.  Each offers support and advise and honesty, even when sometimes it’s hard to hear.  Their families and their extended network of friends add depth and interest as each day Charlotte, Sophie, Elise, and Addison continue to weave their lives and adventures together.  Fiona does a great job in adding emotion, drama, humor, and love to each character, and keeps us personally invested in the four friends that we can identify with.  I recommend the book; but read books one and two first! 

Kelly called me last night to firm up plans for this week. They are coming up on Thursday and staying until late Saturday afternoon or evening. We have the field trip on Friday to the Flight 93 Memorial, and on Saturday we are just hanging out. Peyton and Matt will have to go home on Friday night or Saturday morning because of the animals and going to work. But I have a few fun things Kelly and I can do; the younger boys are content to play their gaming systems. They love my internet!

Today is Tara and Jake’s wedding so we will be heading out there this afternoon. This is a two part post – because even though you don’t realize it, I’m taking a break and will post wedding photos when I get home and publish this on the Word Garden!

Wedding: It stopped raining by the time we headed out, but it was cold and windy and damp. The wedding was in the Revelry Church, which was a converted theater. Their names were on the Marquee, which was amazing! The foyer was strung with lights, and all the playbill frames inside the foyer and the auditorium had pictures and ‘movie titles’ of Tara and Jake. There was a slideshow of photos on the big screen up until the wedding started. Very impressive!

Tara’s dress was beautiful, and the back had a huge bow and several trains. Gwen’s dress was equally lovely; she looked like a 1950’s television star! Aunt Joan played the wedding march on the piano down front for Tara; her shoes were sparkly tennis shoes the same shade as her outfit! Very classy!

The reception was at a ‘mountain’ lodge about two miles from the church, and had a lovely white drapery at the top of the steps as a welcome. The flowers on the tables were elegant, and of course there were cookies and a photo booth. Nine of the 10 Skunk Hollow Girls were at the reception so we couldn’t pass up such a fun opportunity. We aren’t all in both pictures – too many of us! Everything was beautiful and the food was very good. And the company – of course! – was perfect.

As we were leaving we noticed the ‘bride and groom’ sneaking out – with another couple right behind them. Also snapped a few pictures of the waterfalls below the lodge. Beautiful setting!

Lovely end to a lovely day.

May 7 – Tell about some good advice your mother gave you. “She said to always tell each & everyone that you love them no matter what they do. She also said ‘never tell a lie’ as it will just come back to you as trouble.” Great advice, Grama Crooks!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Ukraine. It was suggested by Chrissy’s friend Hope, who has Ukrainian heritage. The picture posted was the Holy Dormition; here are more pictures from Ukraine:

Calendar inspiration – remember your mother, and those who encouraged and guided you.

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TOMORROW May 8th is:

• National Coconut Cream Pie Day
• National Have a Coke Day
• National Student Nurse Day
• Mother’s Day 

Of course – focus on MOTHERS! I miss my precious mother, but I sense her in everything that happens around me, every day. So much of her is here with me. Celebrate and enjoy – and if you are a mother reflect on those precious ones who made you a mother. God bless…

Rainy, rainy day. Cloudy. Cool. Drab. But!!!! Sunshine in my soul. God is good, all the time.

I had the strangest thing happen; things you don’t think about. Rege called me yesterday and asked if I would talk to an old friend of his who had a complicated title question. I called him (Brian) and we discussed his situation for at least 20 minutes. He basically wanted to do something that he couldn’t do. He was trying to find a way to accomplish something by skipping a step. It was a legitimate issue but I didn’t really have a solution. Rege called me later in the day to see if we solved anything. I told him my recommendations to Brain, and we left it go at that. This morning Rege called me first thing and said that Brian passed away last night from a massive heart attack! Brian was in his 60’s; not that old at all. There was no warning. Even though I didn’t know Brian it was super freaky that I had spent so much time talking to him yesterday to solve his problem – but today it didn’t matter. What a wake up call. You just never know.

I had scones and hot tea for breakfast and used all the icing. So I mixed up more for future scones. I am trying to read through the ARC copy that I have so I can post reviews, as the release day is today. Almost done! I did a load of laundry, answered a few emails, and pulled Mom’s wedding gown out of the cedar chest. I’m taking it as a donation to the Historical Society, along with her wedding pictures. I’m so glad it will be redeemed! Now to figure out what to do with mine.

Despite the damp and rain, the ‘shadow’ tour went on at Hanna’s Town as planned. There were only six of us there but it was well worth the time. There were a few new points and procedures that I hadn’t been exposed to yet. Jeff is a real sponge of knowledge for the site, and it’s fascinating to listen to him. It’s also nice we had two younger persons that want to give tours. I was sort of excited because Amber is from Erie! She’s also done a small section of the Appalachian Trail so we had some stories to share on both accounts.

One of the Smail PEEPS, Liz Stape, graduated today from WCC as a paralegal. So proud of her, and happy for a bright future ahead! Congrats, Elizabeth!

My favorite author/friend Liz Bromke is doing facebook-live presentation at 6pm, so I want to be done with this in time to watch. I’m also planning a salad for supper since it won’t be too late.

May 6 – Tell a favorite memory of your mother – “When she would go with us on vacation & join in & do things with you (meaning me) and Kathy. She went sled-riding in the winter with all the neighbors. My mother would sew late into the night to make me something special to wear. She was a wonderful mother.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Old Bedford Village. I’ve been there several time. Here are other photos of the site:

Calendar Inspiration – What do you like best about spring?

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TOMORROW May 7th is:

• National Barrier Awareness Day
• National Packaging Design Day
• National Paste-Up Day
• National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
• Free Comic Book Day
• Join Hands Day
• Kentucky Derby
• National Babysitter’s Day
• National Birth Mother’s Day
• National Bombshells’ Day
• National Fitness Day
• National Homebrew Day
• National Play Outside Day
• National Scrapbook Day
• National Start Seeing Monarchs Day
• National Train Day 

That’s quite a list. I really have no clue! Tomorrow is my cousin Gwen’s daughter Tara’s wedding day. So we’ll celebrate that as we attend. God bless!

Today has been a read work day. I did work both stores in the morning and stop to see Mike P; we ended up talking about how you could KNOW you were going to heaven! Sweet! But the real work came in the afternoon. Thankfully it was a beautiful day to be outside!

I was going through my jackets (I had way too many) when Diane and Shannon stopped. Shannon had something for me – she bought me a blue Snoopy trivet for hot dishes! I love it! I used it for my soup bowl at lunch time after they left. And I was able to give the bag of coats to Di because her church has an outlet for clothes. All good!

While I was waiting on Autmn, I cut the grass. The weather will not accommodate that for the next few days so it was perfect. I totally emptied everything out of the shed and was ready to pick her up just as I finished. Once we started working together, we got the place swept out, the shelves wiped off, some boxes sorted through, empty totes stacked. Got all Kelly’s totes and boxes organized and moved her bookcase to the back corner. Everything is neat and categorized and accessible. Autmn was a huge help! I decided to not keep the huge stack of old kitchen floor laminate planks, so Autmn and I carried them all up the hill and stacked them on the driveway out of the way. It took about 20 trips! My cousin is coming to pick them up within the week and will take them to the dumpster. I don’t think my trash people will take them unless I bundle them securely in small piles. NOT on my list to do!

We had a baby bunny watching us work. My yard seems to be overrun with rabbits of all sizes. I think the tiny ones are cute!

But it’s after 9pm and I still need to grab food – so off I go to finish my evening chores!

May 5 – Did your mother ever make a special gift for you? “A hankie box. She covered a ‘cake flour’ box with white satin. She cut the upper part off the box, leaving part to form a lid. She made pink crochet chains with a button hole loop on the end. Put 2 tiny pearl buttons to fasten the lid shut. I loved it.” That sounds so cute and special. Wish I could have seen it!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Jamaica – suggested by Christina. It’s on her bucket list! The picture posted was bamboo rafting. Here are a few other sites in Jamaica:

Calendar inspiration – The destination isn’t nearly as important as the togetherness you share along the way.

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TOMORROW May 6th is:

• National Beverage Day
• National Crepe Suzette Day
• National Nurses Day
• National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• National Provider Appreciation Day 
• National Space Day
• School Lunch Hero Day 

About the only thing that makes sense for me is beverage day. I’ll have hot tea, water, and Diet Pepsi! Thank you very much. Have a happy Friday. God bless…

May the 4th be with you! Star Wars day. Hope it met with your expectations!

Even though it was cloudy all day, it was far warmer in the morning than it is now at 7pm. I went out to take the garbage up, pick up twigs in the yard, and sweep the decks, and it was very chilly. I’m glad my chores were mostly inside today.

I was cleaning downstairs and kept seeing movement outside my basement door. I went over and looked out, and a rabbit was playing on the bottom deck. Finally it decided to nibble on my flowers on the hill – he looks content in my garden!

Other than that, nothing exciting. Handled a few phone calls and emails, had Cheerios for lunch, and spent some time reading. Fiona Baker added me to her ARC team – so now I’m pressing to finish the book as soon as possible so I can post reviews!

May 4 – Were you ever bitten by a dog? “No. Just when the puppies would nip at me when I played with them.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Montana, as May 3rd was National Montana Day. The photo posted was White Horse Island State Park. Here are a few other Montana sites:

Calendar Inspiration – Enjoy working on the projects that you love.

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TOMORROW May 5th is:

• Cinco de Mayo
• National Astronaut Day
• National Cartoonists Day
• National Hoagie Day
• National Silence the Shame Day
• National Totally Chipotle Day
• National Day of Prayer – First Thursday in May
• National Day of Reason – First Thursday in May
• World Password Day 

Of course, out of all cartoonists, I vote for Charles Schulz! Tomorrow is also a day to focus on prayer. And don’t forget your passwords! God bless…

Well, let me recap my day. I really don’t have photos to share, as I was so vested in my projects that I didn’t take any pictures.

After a breakfast on the run, I went to Pinnacle/ Jeannette. Had a few titles to do there, then Rege and I had one of our serious ‘life’ discussions. We do that fairly often.

From there, I went to Greensburg; several titles there as well. Di txt me about stopping over as she needed an ‘ear’ to listen! I grabbed some groceries on the way home, then she came with a frozen pizza. We spent two hours visiting and eating and being ‘ears’ for each other!

When she left, I gathered up my notes and the laundered totes of tablecloths and napkins from Saturday’s tea, and headed to Hanna’s Town. Louise (new education director) had a very nice, inspiring, motivational, informational meeting, and we all feel like we are ready for a new tour season. And there were cookies!!!

Believe it or not, Walmart did not have the Kleenex that I purchase, so I stopped at the Dollar Tree (.25) on the way home and grabbed a few boxes. I barely got home when the rain came – POURING! Nate called about 5 minutes later and I almost thought he was calling to tell me that his house blew about a mile down the road! It was VERY windy – but all was well. We actually had a very nice phone visit. Everything is OK, and I’m always relieved to hear that. I can usually deal with life’s crazies if I know my family is doing OK!

After I post this, I will grab a bowl of soup and call it a night. It’s already close to 8:30pm.

May 3 – Did you have a treehouse? “No. Hazel & I found some wild grape vines that were twisted in a circle and twined around to make a nice platform 7 or 8 feet off the ground. We would carry our dolls up on the hill above where Uncle Gene & Aunt Hazel built their house. We could leave our dolls, since the cows couldn’t step on them or chew on them.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was several PA State Parks, the major one with the waterfalls was Rickett’s Glen. Shannon has a State Park passport, and this past week she got the last stamp. She has been to all 120 of the State Parks and State Forests in Pennsylvania! Fittingly, the last stamp she got was World’s End State Park! Below are more photos of Rickett’s Glen waterfalls!

Calendar Inspiration –  You can influence others without realizing it – be a good role model!

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TOMORROW May 4th is:

• Bird Day
• National Candied Orange Peel Day
• National Orange Juice Day
• National Renewal Day
• National Star Wars Day
• National Weather Observers Day
• National Skilled Trades Day
• National Interpreter Appreciation Day
• National Bike to School Day 

It’s ironic that this week’s theme for the 7:30am wake up song is birds! This morning’s song was Tennessee Bird Walk and it made me laugh. If you haven’t listened lately, you should! Lots to celebrate tomorrow – my favorite will be National Interpreter Appreciation Day – Love you Kathy! God bless…

It was nice to have a ‘normal’ (I really dislike that term) and quiet start to my day. A little work in both stores, then home to cut the grass. It felt good to be outside. I snapped some photos of a few little things in the yard, and also brought in a fresh vase of lilacs. They bloom for such a short time I feel like I need to have them for as long as possible!

I finished the laundry loads – I really have a pile linens from Hanna’s Town to iron off. I have a meeting there tomorrow and would like to return them. I still have a load waiting to be folded of my own items!

I know that when most people think of Naomi Judd they think Country Music. Although that crosses my mind, I think of one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies – Window Wonderland. She was one of the major characters in that movie. I may have to watch it while I iron this afternoon!

• Stars: Chyler Leigh, Paul Campbell, Naomi Judd
• Genre: Comedy | Family | Romance
• Release Date: 2013-11-23

Three birthdays to mention today! First is my niece Tonia – Kathy’s daughter-in law. Happiest of birthdays, Tonia; enjoy your day and have a wonderful year. Next is my sweet friend Mary – hope your day is happy! Than my dear friends Greg & Lynn Pelc’s daughter Sarah. Hope your day is amazing Sarah! Happy, happy birthday to all three special, beautiful ladies!

May 2 – How much do you remember paying for an ice cream cone? “My cousin Hazel and her husband Chester had a small grocery tore. That was where I had my first ice cream cone. They would give us the nickel back. 5 cents was the going price in the 1930’s.” I pass their storefront in Pleasant Unity from time to time. That building is empty now.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was London England, and the photo posted was Electric Avenue! Here are only a few additional sites in London:

Calendar Inspirations – Our choices represent who we are.

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TOMORROW May 3rd is:

• National Chocolate Custard Day
• National Garden Meditation Day
• National Lumpy Rug Day
• National Montana Day
• National Paranormal Day
• National Raspberry Popover Day
• National SAN Architect Day
• National Specially-Able Pets Day
• National Textiles Day
• National Two Different Colored Shoes Day
• National Foster Care Day
• National Teacher Appreciation Day 

Gardens are great for meditating; my friend Ed Kelemen is into paranormal big time! I wore 2 different shoes to work one day. Embarrassing 🙁 . We should all appreciate teachers. Have a happy Tuesday! God bless…

It wasn’t raining when I got up – but I knew it was coming. But before I decided on the day, we had our Sunday school class. Tomorrow is Mary’s birthday, and we had cake as a treat for her and the kids. We sang Happy Birthday and celebrated Mary!

As predicted, the rain came and went all morning – even a pass-through storm and a few downpours. I decided to do at least a few museums – because today was Ligonier’s Free Museum Day.

I’ve been to all the museums several times, but still enjoy them. Since I was by myself today, I took extra time and sat through the videos from start to finish. The first one was at the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Museum. It’s one of my favorites. The story of the building and preservation of the Lincoln Highway and the sites along the trail are really fascinating to me. Did you know that the highway begins in New York City and ends in San Francisco?

Next stop was the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, and again I watched the video. This video had actual footage of the last run of the Ligonier Valley train, which was August 31 1952. I was two, so of course I don’t remember! My favorite thing here is the old caboose. I also took a picture of the commemorative brick for Kyle’s mom Mimi Owens, who was the former direction of the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association before she passed away. Kyle is Kathy’s son-in-law (married to Sarah). It was inspiring to see it in the walkway.

By now it was pouring rain, and I decided to switch direction and return to Greensburg. Chrissy told me that she had several photos on display at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and I wanted to see them. I found four – she thought there might be more but I couldn’t locate other ones. I’m so proud of her great photos and hard work! Way to go, Christina!

And to catch up on last evening, here are pictures of the set and the program. I ushered with Theresa Baughman’s close friend (she’s ‘in charge’!) and we had some good conversation. I enjoy helping there.

After this is done, the plan is to make a pot of potato soup (rainy days are good for homemade soup!), then pay bills (not so good for ANY days!). And maybe iron the tablecloths from yesterday.

May 1 – What were May Baskets made of and what did they contain? “As I told you, on April 30th, the baskets were made mostly out of paper. If we had a shoe box we would decorate it. No one could afford to buy baskets in our school. If we had some homemade treats we were excited to put it in our baskets.” Times are so different!

Yesterday’s vacation was not a destination, it was an event – May Day! The hint was in Mom’s memory post, and the picture was sharing May baskets. Here are other May Day traditions:

Calendar inspiration is from Snoopy:

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TOMORROW May 2nd is:

• National Life Insurance Day
• National Truffle Day
• Melanoma Monday

First day of a new work month tomorrow. Have a happy day, and count the things you are thankful for. Our Sunday School lesson was about being thankful. Tell someone THANK YOU!!! God bless… (PS – I am thankful for MANY things, but THANK YOU to all of you who read this!)

Early morning wakeup, then changed and washed bed sheets, had breakfast, and was off to Hanna’s Town by 8:45. It promised to be a beautiful day with clear skies and sunshine.

We had a nice amount of helpers all day, and both the 11:30am and the 2pm groups had great praises for the whole event. Proctor’s Militia was encamped in the fort, tours were going on all day, and the shop was open as well. We were all very busy. Some of the reenactors came in to say hello, and we fed them leftovers of our sandwiches and treats. We ate our fair share, as well. My personal favorite was the pound cake. Mary Ann made two extra loaves, and we all took advantage of that, for sure.

And here’s our dynamic duo – the Tea Team! They make it all happen, every time. Thank you, Claudia and Priscilla!

I had to make a quick trip over to Giant Eagle, and there was a dinosaur on the corner selling subs. I guess you just never know…

I will usher for Beat at the Greensburg Civic Center but will not stay for the play. I’m tired already and I didn’t even get there yet! But it’s a good tired, and we really had a great day!

Today would have been Stoney’s birthday (he would have been 86!). And also, today is my friend Teresa’s birthday. Happy birthday Teresa – hope your day was wonderful and your vacation trip is amazing!

April 30 – Tell about a May day tradition – “In school we made paper baskets & put whatever we had in them. We would sneak up & leave the basket at a neighbors house. Sometimes we could find some flowers & sometimes we made some paper flowers. Mom would give us cookies to put in the ‘paper’ basket. We always hoped it wouldn’t rain that afternoon.” Such fun traditions. Why don’t kids still do this?

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Toronto Canada, and the picture posted was Fort York. Here are just a few other sites in Toronto:

Calendar inspiration – Go someplace new and do something fun!

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TOMORROW May 1st is:

• Law Day
• May Day
• National Chocolate Parfait Day
• National Loyalty Day
• National Mother Goose Day
• School Principals’ Day
• Silver Star Service Banner Day
• National Infertility Survival Day
• National Lemonade Day 

Let’s just celebrate the beauty of the day, of a new month, and spending time in the Lord’s house! God bless…