Today was the last Sunday School class until January 7th – so we finished up with the Wise Kings, did a nativity craft, had red velvet cupcakes and DQ ice cream for Max’s birthday, and gave the kids their Christmas stocking. I was disappointed that Cody and Jackson were not there for Sunday School – but I saw their mother after church and gave her their treats. Grace and Max were there – and Max was listening to the lesson while eating a cookie!

We got new tables and chairs in the Welcome Center, and a few new decorations.

Todd’s message was very good – The Peace of Christmas. It basically dealt with being too busy, stressed, distracted during the holiday season. PEACE is the gift of life as it was meant to be. We need to remember that more stuff, more work, and more life does not give us peace. ‘Hurry’ and ‘Love’ are incompatible, as are ‘Hurry’ and ‘Peace’.

I came home from church and made a smaller batch of potato soup – I used the rest of the potatoes and then had a bowl for lunch. After I post this I plan to dig out an old black and white Christmas classic movie and watch that, then pay some bills. Sarah posted pictures of the Word of Life Christmas program – Millie is in front, right – at the mic!!!

SO … Yesterday’s Christmas party! We arrived at Colleen’s at about 2 minutes until 2pm. Her house is so delightful. It’s a classic farmhouse that is exquisite! The holiday decorations are perfection and entirely suitable for the home. It takes her a week to switch out all her everyday décor and transform the house into CHRISTMAS. Here are a few pictures of her house.

All ten of us gathered with food and hugs and stories and laughter, taking pictures and eating and visiting. It was a wonderful day; balm for the soul and spirit. We have a way of lifting each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joy and concerns, and reminiscing. I don’t know how we would get through life without each other.

Colleen’s granddaughter Aleah makes jewelry, using resin and molds and paints, and she brought four trays down for us to look at. Most of us bought something – I bought two pair of earrings, snowflakes and stars. Such a great job!

Traditionally I will write and then read out loud a story – mostly about growing up together, Skunk Hollow, HOME, evoking memories. This year it was a fictional Christmas story about our parents growing up.

And it was a special treat to have Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan join us for dinner – lasagna, salad, garlic toast, Uncle Clifford’s homemade apple sauce, broccoli casserole, and Jello-pretzel salad. And I can’t begin to share the snacks we had – but my two favorites were the hullless buttered popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and buffalo chicken dip and chips. It goes on and on from there. And of course, M&M’s!

When I say our lives are enriched and blessed by our relationships and friendships it is not an exaggeration. We love and support each other in every way, through good times and bad, and I’m honored and humbled to have each and every one of them in my life. Merry Christmas, cousins!

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TOMORROW December 18th is:

World Arabic Language Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day (PLEASE don’t tell Jen!!!); International Migrants Day; Answer the Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (“Buddy the Elf; what’s your favorite color?”)

That would be a fun thing – to catch people off guard when you answer your phone! Have a good time and a great day. God bless…

Today was such a fun day! Everyone – all 10 of us – were there, plus Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. I will expound on our adventures tomorrow – but for today I’ll just post a few pictures and head to bed. It’s after 10pm and I’m getting tired. And I need the pictures that Beth took, which she’ll probably send tomorrow.

When I climbed into bed last night I looked at the lights reflecting on my window and decided to share. The panes reflect multiple images and it’s cool. Also, while I was waiting for my rice bag to heat, I noticed the reindeer antlers at my neighbor’s house. That is one HUGE reindeer!

As usual, I changed and washed the bed sheets. I don’t know what it is about my dryer, but almost every week the sheets come out rolled like a sausage! I don’t think that is supposed to happen.

I’ll fast forward to Smicksburg – Kathy and I stopped at Donna’s store to get cheese. I wanted to get a thank you for Sir Rege for handling my car yesterday and he loves cheese. Two little Amish boys came into the store and bought a two liter of Pepsi — with a baggie full of quarters and dimes. Then they walked up across the mowed corn fields toward home.

So that’s it for today – and I’ll do the Skunk Hollow Christmas Event tomorrow!

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TOMORROW December 17th is:

National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brothers Day.

You’d think Maple Syrup Day would be more in line with a sap harvest. Oh, well. Enjoy your Sunday! God bless…

What a day – I felt like I was slinging around on a Merry-go-Round! But I got to see both my girls and baby Cam.

First I had breakfast here for Diane. We had scrambled eggs and scones. We also covered about every topic there is, from Native Americans to traveling Wise Men – and back to babies and housing options.

When Diane left I went to the high school to pick up Chrissy. She’s on work study and classes are over at 11am. From there we picked up Autmn and Cameron and ended up at Panera Bread for lunch. Cameron slept through the whole thing.

The girls wanted to browse (and spend) at Five Below so Cameron and I drove (well, I drove and sang) around the parking lot till they finished.

We ended up at Gabe’s as they both had shopping to do. After two years of searching I finally found St. Patrick Day blankets! So now I have Kelly’s coveted blanket for her.

I paid for the blanket and Autmn’s purchased and took Cameron to the car. He finished his bottle and I put him on the seat. We played with his light and sound toy and entertained each other until the girls were done shopping.

I dropped Chrissy off at home (she had to work this evening) and then Autmn mentioned wanting to go home. I was surprised but I took them down. I felt like I didn’t get enough time with them today and was feeling bad. 🙁 But Autmn sent me a picture of her and Cameron in their robes! So crazy cute!

It’s a good thing I did that, because the car had been throwing warning signals all day. I dropped Autmn and Cameron off and went straight to Pinnacle. Rege put me in another car – a Jeep Cherokee. I got gas, then met Kelly’s family in Youngwood to pick up items from a 4-H fundraiser. Now I am in for the evening.

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TOMORROW December 16th is:

National Wreaths Across America Day; National Chocolate Covered Anything Day; Barbie & Barney Backlash Day.

Tomorrow for me is the Skunk Hollow Christmas event at Colleen’s. I SO need that. These girls are such a critical part of my support and delight system! Choose something delightful, and celebrate. God bless…

I was busy all day – Worked in Jeannette, then went to Greensburg. Stopped at Shop and Save to get a shrimp ring and see if they would cut a Superior Ham for me – they wouldn’t. But I got the shrimp. I got gas for the Jeep then stopped at Walmart for a few other groceries. But Sir Rege called and had another deal that needed done today. So I went back down there.

Just as I got in the door at home Mr. G called about going over my annuity which we needed to make a change on. He left, and I mixed up the scones for tomorrow’s breakfast with Diane. I had a doctor’s appointment at Norwin Square, then was home about half an hour and left again.

I met Teresa at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and we attended a lecture about Creating Common Memory. It wasn’t what either of us thought it would be, but I think you always learn something from these presentations.

We also watched a digitalization of some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s unbuilt works. That was pretty amazing. And the Festival of Lights outside was beautiful.

I got there early enough to get the sunset and the courthouse dome. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m going to grab something small to eat and settle in for the evening. Tomorrow I have breakfast here with Di, then have to pick up Chrissy at school, then probably get Autmn and Cameron (and she does have one more gift to buy!) so another busy day!

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TOMORROW December 15th is:

International Tea Day; National Wear Your Pearls Day; National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day; National Cupcake Day; National Underdog Day; Cat Herders Day; Bill of Rights Day.

Gen, if you read this, have a cup of tea and pretend we are together! Miss you! I have Mom’s pearls and Grama Crooks’ pearl earrings. Kelly makes a mean cupcake, and Jen is always herding cats! God bless!

As usual for a Wednesday I spent the day cleaning. Also as usual, I picked up a few tasks as the day went on. But got everything done, including a load of laundry and taking the trash to the road. I also keep moving this snowman (from the Ninth Life Auction) around as I haven’t found the ideal place for him yet!

Tonight was Don Wassel’s annual Wassel-ing party. He has it every year. Don was working at Smail Auto (Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury, actually!) when I started there in 1967. So we’ve been friends for a very long time. He just moved from a huge house up on the hill to a smaller, one-level house at the bottom of the hill. It’s a beautiful home, and you would not know it was smaller. But, as his wife Sharon says, THERE ARE NO STEPS!

I was even impressed with the rest room! Beautiful!

The only other people I knew well enough to chat much with were Dan and Gail Robertson. Dan also worked at Smail Auto and still does. We had a nice evening, chatting about life at Smail Auto! It was light hearted and comfortable — no ‘gossip’ stuff. Dan’s sister is deaf, and we chatted a little about that, as well. I have a little connection with that subject!!!

Since it’s later and I’m tired that’s it for today! Have a happy Thursday!

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TOMORROW December 14th is:

National Alabama Day; National Bouillabaisse Day; Monkey Day.

Don’t think I’ll jump on any of those. I’ll just go to work and be happy! God bless….

Had a few things to do in Jeannette this morning, including a short chat with Sir Rege. Greensburg, not so much. From work I went straight down to get Autmn and Cameron. We had two Christmas presents to get from Autmn, then came home and just hung out all day. Cameron had fun hanging out at Mimi’s house.

I fed him his lunch bottle and he fell asleep afterwards. I thought it was super cute they way he threw his arm over his face – like it was all to much for him!

Since I didn’t get the ironing done last night as expected, I put Cameron in a box to watch Toy Story (which he did seem to enjoy!) and finished my chores.

I even read a little of the current book I’m into. There was a quote that I really liked: You can’t pour out of an empty cup. Stop, refresh and refuel, and fill up!

Noah has to make a stop at his dad’s on his way here to pick up Autmn and Cameron, so I thought I had better get my post done and finish the evening – otherwise it will be too late to get finished! Cameron is sleeping and Autmn just ate a few slices of Pizza from the freezer.

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TOMORROW December 13th is:

National Guard Birthday; National Violin Day; National Cocoa Day; National Day of the Horse; Pick a Pathologist Day.

Tomorrow is clean the house day, then a small Christmas party at a friend’s new house. Hope your day is fun. God bless…

TODAY is my niece Hannah’s birthday (the one who lives in Knoxville). Happy birthday Hannah! Hope you had a delightful day! Love you!

I forgot to mention yesterday that Deb brought me a jar of homemade soup and a beautiful kitchen towel. I have never seen one like this. I hung it up right away. Thanks, Deb!

Today was a quiet day. Work was light – the biggest thing that happened there was that they finally switched out my car. I’ve had the Nissan for a long time. I am driving a dark blue Jeep Renegade. It’s a little smaller than the Rouge and fits well in the garage. Still trying to make friends with the Jeep – have to figure out all the buttons and settings. I’m always excited when I can pair the phone and figure out how to turn the headlights on!

I did laundry after lunch, then managed to climb behind the downstairs shower — and shimmy up the bookcase in the closet – to turn off both outside spigots. I put the hose away and drained the lines. So, all good until spring. Is it spring yet?

My credit card wasn’t working properly so I stopped at the bank and ordered a new one. They believe the chip is loose. I came home and wrote out some cards; the problem was I sat the confetti container on the couch. My pen rolled onto the floor and I knocked over the container trying to pick it up. Sigh. I won’t tell you how long it took me to pick all these stars up!

Then I actually went over to Dollar Tree to pick up napkins and plates for Sunday. It’s the last Sunday school class for the year. On the way over I turned a corner and there were two deer standing right in the middle of the road by the Zion Lutheran Church. While I waited for them to mosey off the road, two more followed. They weren’t in any hurry!

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TOMORROW December 12th is:

International Universal Health Coverage day; International Day of Neutrality; National Ding a Ling Day; National Ambrosia Day; National Poinsettia Day; Gingerbread House Day.

Ding a Ling day is a day to reach out to people you used to be in touch with all the time and have fallen away. That’s a great idea! So reach out to a friend, co-worker, family, classmate – Give them a call or drop a note! God bless…

It was raining all day and dreary but we all had happy spirits. Sawyer and Grace were putting puzzles together, and Cody and Jackson set up the manger. Max came in later but was entertaining none the less!

The welcome center had a really inviting background on the announcement rotation. Peaceful.

Look who was parked beside me when I pulled into a parking space at Walmart?

Todd’s message was the second in his Home for Christmas series: THE TRUTH OF CHRISTMAS, which is to say that Christmas is not really focused on the truth. Are you preparing (during the holiday) for events or for people? Be kind. Our LIVES are a sermon – people would rather SEE than HEAR Jesus from you. All we need for Christmas is Jesus.

After church I took Priscilla’s gift to her – no one was home so I hung it on her door. They live in a nice neighborhood so I felt comfortable leaving it there. I think eventually I’ll hear that she got it. I sent her an email to alert her it was from me. Her porch looked so quaint!

On the way home I saw a Radio Flyer red wagon in the neighbor’s yard and the sign said ‘Free’. Of course I stopped to get it. It’s in very good shape; it will just need scrubbed in the spring. I struggled getting it in the car. It was very awkward to maneuver!

And these are the toys that Kelly got at their church’s rummage sale – everything left after Sunday morning was free! I scrubbed them up this afternoon and tucked them away until Cameron is big enough.

One of the items in the auction bid was a pine cone garland. I wound it around the deck post.

Our HCC Christmas dinner was this evening. Everything looked lovely — all the monitors carried the yule log and the fireplace. The main stage had trees and lights set up.

The food was great – and there was a huge variety. Ham, chicken, meatballs, veggies, parsley potatoes, mac/cheese, about five different types of drink, and an entire island of desserts. Yum. And it started with a salad and rolls. Our crew did a great job.

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TOMORROW December 11th is:

National Stretching Day; UNICEF Birthday; National App Day; National Noodle Ring Day; International Mountain Day.

Tomorrow is my niece Hanna’s birthday, and also my cousin Mark’s birthday. It would have been my Aunt Gail’s, as well – my dad’s sister. I already have a list of chores for tomorrow. Sigh. God bless!

I am always at Hanna’s Town events to volunteer, to help out, to be part of the staff or background. Well, today I went as a paid guest! Hanna’s Town was presenting their Three Centuries of Christmas and it’s one of my very favorite events that they put on. I made reservations, paid the fee, and showed up today with my note pad and pen to absorb everything I could about Christmas celebrations from the 1700’s (and before) through 2023.

Currently, the most popular holiday in the US is Thanksgiving; the second most popular is tied between Christmas and Memorial Day! There is also a self-guided walk-through with signs describing the most popular celebrations and traditions.

We started the tour with Kelton and his daughter leading us over to Hanna’s Tavern. There was a fire in the grate and the room was decorated somewhat like it would have been — although Christmas was not officially celebrated as we know it in those early centuries. I could not even begin to post everything that I learned, but I loved learning it! Dan was guarding the tavern and escorted us in.

Let’s see – a few facts from early centuries. Belsnickel was a prototype of Santa, but he (unlike Santa) did not stay hidden. He knocked on doors, asking the children if they were good. If not, they were ‘whipped’; if they were, they were given a treat. Belsnickel also went house to house and took donations from the rich and gave to the poor. Houses were decorated with items from nature: Fruit and candles and holly. There was a Paradise tree and the children acted out Bible stories, especially the creation and fall of man. Christmas was banned several times during those early centuries, perceived to be too pagan and not focusing on the birth of Christ. I liked these decorations best.

The Nineteenth Century: Trees were decorated with dough ornaments, walnuts, candles, and cranberry or popcorn garlands with a wooden angel on top. Gifts for the children were left in stockings hung on the mantle, or even on the tree. Clement C Moore’s NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS was a very important part of Christmas celebrations, as well as A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens. Silent Night was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818.

In 1870 President Grant declared Christmas a national holiday. During the 1900’s Queen Victoria had a lot of influence on US celebrations; German glass manufacturing did, as well.

Cathy shared experiences and celebrations held during the Civil War. One item she shared was that after Sherman took Atlanta, he dressed his horses up as reindeer and delivered food to the families that needed help. This was probably my favorite part, information wise.

While during the 1800’s trees were small and placed on table tops, they moved to bigger sizes and were sat on the floor in the 1900’s. Decorations were manufactured. Santa was based on Clement Moore’s poem and eventually the image presented by Coca Cola – jolly man in a red suit! I liked the memories in this segment.

In 1939 Montgomery Ward introduced Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as a storybook and stuffed toy; we still embrace Rudolph in our celebrations, along with Gene Autry’s recording of Rudolph’s story in 1949. Electric lights were offered in 1903, and in 1923 President Coolidge erected the first National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn. In 1915 John C Hall (Hallmark) mass-produced the first affordable Christmas cards — see what they started? It was said that it took one month to get ready for Christmas and two weeks to get over it!

Radio, TV and movies became prevalent and increased in popularity, even having a broadcast from space from Apollo 8 in 1968. It appears that people were searching for a way to renew their connections with their past. I know that’s a strong motivation to me during the holidays!

So that will be my post for the day. If anything exciting happens during the rest of the day I will post it tomorrow!

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TOMORROW December 10th is:

National Lager Day; Nobel Prize Day; Human Rights Day; Dewey Decimal System Day.

Tomorrow is HCC’s Christmas dinner and program. I’ll stick with that. God bless…

This morning I changed the sheets on the Crooks room bed, as Kelly won’t be back until after Christmas to sleep in it. This way she’ll have fresh, clean sheets to crawl into when she does come!

Brown’s PHAC came about 10:15am and replaced the defective part. It took him a little over an hour. When that was done, I picked up Autmn and Cameron and we went shopping. He was pretty good, considering we drug him around for almost two hours! Autmn was able to get most of her shopping done.

After we ate, Autmn got a shower while Cameron was nesting. Noah got off early so they left here at about 5pm. I always enjoy my baby time!

Before they left, Autmn and Noah wrapped the gifts she bought today. I think she has one or two more but we’ll do that next week.

I’m sitting here in the semi-dark, with the tree lights on and the little light about my desk. Snoopy is keeping me company…

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TOMORROW December 9th is:

Lutefisk Day; Christmas Card Day; National Pastry Day; Weary Willie Day; International Anti-corruption Day.

Some of these days I’m not even sure about. But I DID mail my Christmas cards today, and had a small pastry for breakfast. So — that’s it. God bless…