Today was a very ordinary day as far as my schedule and activities go. Kelly and Chase left at 9am, and I left about 10 minutes later for work. Spent about a half an hour chatting with Rege before heading to Greensburg store. Joe had two titles for me.

I stopped at the post office and got two books of stamps, then Sir Rege called me to help him with some paperwork — so I went back to Jeannette.

While I was en route, Hanna’s Town called to confirm my reservation for Three Centuries of Christmas on Saturday. I went once before a few years ago, and it was delightful, so I’m excited. I barely hung up from that call and Brown’s Heating called. The part is in for my furnace repair so they will be out in the morning!

Jen txt me a bunch of Christina’s Senior Pictures; these are just a few. They turned out beautiful! I’m so excited for her. So many wonderful things happening in Chrissy’s life and I’m proud of her.

And TODAY is the anniversary of my best friend Gen’s birth! Sending a huge birthday greeting to her and letting her know how special she is and how important her friendship is to me. It would have been a sad thing to navigate life without her in it! Love you, Gen — Happy, happy birthday and many more, my friend!

There are many more events and times together – this is just a tiny representation. So blessed to have her in my life!

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TOMORROW December 8th is:

National Crossword Solvers Day; National Salesperson Day; National Brownie Day; Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day.

I have known TONS of salespersons in my life. Just… TONS! Some have been dear friends. I love brownies – and on Saturday I WILL pretend to be a time traveler, going back three centuries to celebrate Christmas! Fun! God bless…

Kelly and I started the day by having scones for breakfast. Chase wanted cereal, so he had Apple Jacks. Then we started a load of laundry before working on the Chocolate Chip Cookies. We made a big batch and they did turn out yummy! Chase’s buddy ‘Donald’ was overseeing the cookie operations and was the official taste-tester.

We had frozen pizza for lunch (well, we cooked it first), then worked on the chocolate covered pretzels for Christmas. The pretzels were the Utz Holiday ones, shaped like snow flakes, bells and trees. I have a big container now with holiday sprinkles. And we still have a few fall ones left, too.

Once we got the kitchen cleaned up (which had non-peril sprinkles everywhere!) I sorted out some gifts I needed to wrap. I got the Sunday School kids’ done. Still have a few more to do tomorrow.

Donald took a bit of a nap while Chase was playing his Switch, then he wanted to help me post the Word Garden. So far he hasn’t been too much help…

We had Quilla-Dillas for supper (quesadillas). Kelly is working on crocheting Tossle hats. I think we are basically done with projects for the day.

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TOMORROW December 7th is:

National Slime Day; National Illinois Day; Chanukah; International Civil Aviation Day; National Cotton Candy Day; National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Tomorrow is also Gen’s birthday! I’ll post pictures tomorrow. Have a lovely day; avoid slime if possible. God bless…

A short post today. Started the day with step two of my Christmas card list. Went to the Koffee with Kelton at Hanna’s Town – Kelton is the new education director. He has a master’s degree and a PhD. Sounds like he has some exciting and effective ideas to move Hanna’s Town forward. The only thing I held against him was that he grew up 40 miles from Colonial Williamsburg and has never been there in his adult life! Be still my pounding heart! I cannot imagine…

But we went around the room and talked about our involvement with the site and our draw to history. I learned a lot of new things about the people I have worked and volunteered with for 20 years!

It was snowing when I left for home. The plumber came about 12:15pm. There were roots clogging about five feet of the drain out from the house. Let me tell you, it was an expensive operation! But all clear again. Everything is working correctly.

Diane sent me a picture of her Snoopy window. Her granddaughter gave her some window clings and I also gave her some. So she has her whole front window decked out.

Kelly and Chase got here about 1:30pm just as Warhold was leaving. They unloaded the van, then Kelly and I ran errands and went shopping. I found a few small items I needed and so did Kelly. So tomorrow is free to be making our cookies.

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TOMORROW December 6th is:

Mitten Tree Day; National Gazpacho Day; St. Nicholas Day; National Miner’s Day; National Pawnbrokers Day.

Don’t forget to leave your shoes out for St. Nicholas to put candy in! God bless…

After the few crazy weeks and days we’ve had, I was very content with having an ordinary day! I had several deals in Jeannette, then stopped to help Mike P with some issues, and ended up in Greensburg where I processed three titles.

From there I stopped at Aldi. My original intent was to get milk and Goldfish (Kelly and Chase are coming tomorrow). But I was hungry for Cream of Potato soup so I got milk and potatoes as well, and grabbed a package of bacon because I know Chase normally likes that (although you can never be sure with Chase!).

Autmn needed a ride to Nate and Jen’s. Her dryer quit and the laundry was piling up. So I went down and picked up her, Cameron, and lots of dirty clothes! Thankfully Jen was willing to share her washers and dryers (they have 2 of each). At least I got to hold Cameron for a few minutes while Autmn organized everything. He smiled at me and was even ‘talking’ to me. He is just a sweetie!

On the way home I noticed that the Christmas Moose in Youngwood was back! It’s very big!

So I got laundry et al delivered then came home and made my soup. Had a bowl while it was fresh and hot!

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TOMORROW December 5th is:

World Soil Day; national Repeal Day; World Trick Shot Day; National Sacher Torte Day; International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development; International Ninja Day; Bathtub Party Day.

I’ve never had a party in a bathtub but I’ve spent a lot of time playing in the dirt! God bless…

Cloudy, rainy day – but the sun peeked out a few times. There was a partial rainbow this afternoon after the play, but I didn’t even get a picture of it! We had Cody and Jackson in class this morning as Max was away. I left after Sunday School as I was meeting Diane to go to a play in Butler.

I had a few minutes extra until I had to meet Diane, so I popped into Goodwill. I found a little warm sleeper for Cameron. So now we should have enough to get through the next few weeks at least!

We stopped at Valley Dairy on the way up. I had a burger and sweet potato fries. This was the 3rd time in 5 days I ate out. THAT is amazing to me!

The play was The Last Mass at St. Casimir’s. The actors were very talented and did a great job, but it wasn’t my type of humor. I will say, however, that the ending was very good. To quote the program – play is a ‘look at family…their quirks…disagreements…tribulations…love for each other.’

Took a picture on the way home of a farm’s Christmas decorations. They were created from stacked hay bales!

Shannon had a Williamsburg guide book and a map for me. And when I got home Ginny had left another piece of pottery on my porch from Williamsburg. Such sweet friends I have!

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TOMORROW December 4th is:

Santa’s List Day; Cabernet Franc Day; International Cheetah Day; Wildlife Conservation Day; National Sock Day; National Dice Day; National Cookie Day.

I already made my list for Santa – and do you know what was on it? Socks! Ha! As for cookies, Kelly is coming up on Tuesday/Wednesday and we are planning on a cookie day. I’ll celebrate then. God bless…

So what I didn’t have time to post last night was the end of my visit with Autmn and Cameron, and ‘Aunt Summer’. She loves her little nephew! She was changing his diaper, and being a boy, he peed — on his own face, even in his ear! So we put a beach towel in the laundry tub for comfort and gave him a quick bath.

The girls dressed alike and didn’t even realize. They look so cute!

I left them home and went to the civic center to usher for the play. They were sold out again, so we were busy. Took time after the show started to get a picture of Bear and me. He even bought me a Coke. I think we’re engaged now. JUST KIDDING. I’m not accepting proposals, and he has a very long-time significant other. We’ve just known each other since the mid-80’s! I only get to see him when I usher.

My day today started with a phone call from Gen in New York. She had some things she wanted to share with me, and needed a supportive ear. We chatted for half an hour and it was a good visit. I miss her coming down as often!

Shower, breakfast, a little ironing, and then Kathy and Paul picked me up for our camp adventure. Nadine (the camp cook) made a wonderful lunch of pork roast, chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, fresh rolls, and dessert. The decorations were lovely, too.

Got to catch up with some long-time friends.

The entertainment was a very talented auto-harp player and singer. She had a great voice and chose very unique songs. Near the end we joined her in singing carols. It was a very fun day!

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TOMORROW December 3rd is:

National Roof Over Your Head Day; International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

I LOVE the roof over my head and am thankful for it every single day! God bless…

I made a list first thing this morning. So far, I’ve only crossed 3 things off the list!! But I still have a few hours to go before leaving to usher again. I was able to snap a quick picture of the cast before they went back stage last night.

After breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique. Tomorrow is their big Holiday Open House, but since I will be at the camp luncheon I won’t be here to go. So I walked around down there for an hour. So many cool things, and so many of them Christmas! Lots of them brought back memories, and some of them I already have. Peanuts items are really high ticket items!

Summer stopped down here to spend some time with Autmn and Cameron. It’s fun to hear the girls talking. Cameron is napping in his little pack n play and the girls are watching a movie.

I don’t think I’ve seen one peep out of the sun all day! It’s been cloudy and dreary and rainy, and I’m glad to be inside. Again, I dislike having to go back outside once it gets colder and is dark. But I’ll usher, because I promised!

Sir Rege finally sent me a picture of the beach. I assumed he would send me a picture of him sitting on the beach. Not so…

Good news! Christina was awarded a nice scholarship to Point Park University. Well deserved! So proud of her hard work, dedication, and talent!

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TOMORROW December 2nd is:

National Play Outside Day; National Fritters Day; Skywarn Recognition Day; National Mutt Day; National Special Education Day.

I have a feeling playing outside tomorrow will be uncomfortable! I’ll stick with the Camp luncheon and just getting my work done inside. God bless…

The morning sunshine cast shadows on the blind this morning. Love my little Peanuts guys!

Just as I pulled into Jeannette this morning I got a txt that there were no deals and I didn’t need to come down. Since I was already there I ran in and checked on Barry. He’s still feeling pretty lousy. There’s no one to cover for him if he leaves…

So I drove up to Greensburg, and just as I pulled in I got a txt that there were no deals and I didn’t need to come in! Since I was already there I ran in to check on Joe, who was also sick. Probably a good thing I didn’t have to work, as I don’t need them to share that with me!

When I left for work, my neighbor was mowing his lawn, despite the snowy patches still on the grass…

I popped into the bank (which was super busy – took me half an hour to cash a check!), then dropped in at the mall. I was in the mood for Barbara Ann’s Country store. I was looking for a matching coaster for my hot pad. We had a tough time, because the one that is supposed to match obviously does not. I did purchase it, but I feel like someone at that company is color blind and short sighted! It still looks nice.

After a quick lunch of grilled cheese I mixed up a batch of cinnamon rolls. I always make a mess when I bake these days. I just cleaned the kitchen yesterday but had to do it again.

Yesterday morning I had breakfast at Bob Evans with my former neighbor Ginny. Her friend Joann is cleaning out their house because they are moving to California and was giving things away. Ginny knew I like all things Williamsburg so she scarfed these up to share with me! I’m very excited to have them, especially the candle holder. It’s my favorite.

Jen sent me a picture of Christina. She got braces yesterday. It will be a little discomfort but expecting beautiful results! She’s beautiful already!

Tomorrow being December first, I will pay bills, change the wooden Snoopy calendar, and pick up Autmn and Cameron for a few hours’ visit in the afternoon. Gotta get my baby fix!

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TOMORROW December 1st is:

National Pie Day; Antarctica Day; National Bartender Day; National Eat a Red Apple Day; Faux Fur Friday; World Aids Day; Rosa Parks Day; Day Without Art.

Celebrate! God bless…

Today’s post is a little different. I’ll catch up on everyday events tomorrow! One of which is that even the horses on the hill are bundled up!

I have heard it said that things that come easy are not appreciated as much as those you work hard for, or have to go through trials to accomplish. I think quite possibly that is my sentiments on my Christmas adventure this past week. It seemed so much more difficult and labor intensive this year to dress the house in its Christmas finery.

The bins and boxes seemed heavier and less organized than other years. The garage felt colder and the house smaller; where did all this stuff GO? I carried treasures throughout the house, placing and replacing and moving them around, again and again. Sometimes two or three days later I would be struck with an idea, and rearrange one item after another.

But the end result (maybe not the end YET!!??) is that every little item that I placed, every ornament that I hung up, every set of lights that I strung, every strand of tinsel that I draped on the tree branches, and every holiday Snoopy that I carried around from place to place, now speak volumes. Every little item draws my eyes to it, and I find delight in all of it. Every last piece. Even the window stickees seem to be in the perfect place. This morning I walked into the living room and smiled at the Williamsburg tree that I struggled with yesterday as it seemed so scrawny as I put it together. And when I get to writing out Christmas cards, it will be like Bing Crosby sings in the Irving Berlin song: I dream… with every Christmas card I write.

Above all else, every room has a nativity of some sort, and I am drawn to them. Maybe it’s because of baby Cameron, and how tiny he is — like baby Jesus. I think of the next few years and how every string of lights, shimmering glitter, and bright colors will excite him, and I can’t wait to watch his delight! Autmn explained to him already that every year Mimi (me) would tell him the story of baby Jesus and how important He is. And I will. UPSTAIRS Nativities:

DOWNSTAIRS Nativities:

So I will sing with the Christmas CD’s, watch the holiday movies (sappy or not), drink tea from singing mugs, eat York Peppermint Patties in the shape of snowflakes, and enjoy sharing my small, over-decorated home with family and friends. And I will be glad for the hard things, because it makes me appreciate the holy holidays so much more!

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TOMORROW November 30th is:

National Personal Space Day; National Mississippi Day; National Mason Jar Day; National Mousse Day (at least it’s not MOUSE day!); Stay Home Because You’re Well Day; Computer Security Day.

Mason Jars have their own day? Well, ok! Tomorrow I am going to call the plumber – my drains are still gurgling! Have a happy day and may your drains all be clear. God bless…

Jen’s Ninth Life Auction will shut down tomorrow at 8pm. I did bid on several things. Possibility I can keep on top of it and be high bidder. We will see! Just little things, because I certainly don’t need anything! While I was finishing checking on the bids, I heard my drains gurgling. I suspect they are clogged and that means a drain specialist. Haven’t had a problem for about 2 years — and that is a long time. It used to be every 8 months or so. We’ll see what happens next!

Autmn and Cameron were here all afternoon. He is such a funny baby! He was smiling and trying to make noises (other than crying!). He’s not even 2 months old and he loves to stand up and bounce! He also loves music and loves when we sing to him!

Autmn is working on a blanket for herself. It’s almost done. Very pretty!

In between cuddles and feedings and diaper changes I did get both trees up. I do have to put icicles on the big tree. Autmn helped me put the ornaments on. I think she enjoyed doing that, because I just let her do it however she felt inspired to do it! I also got the bins back on the shelves and the car pulled inside. Big accomplishment!

It was in the 20’s today and very cold. There is a thin coating of snow on the grass and I’m sure there are icy patches on the roads.

There were deals at both stores this morning. I walked into Jeannette and Barry announced that he has pneumonia! They are so short handed that he can’t stay home, but other than feeling tired he didn’t feel too sick. He actually looked and sounded fine – but I’m sure he’s exhausted.

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Tomorrow November 29th is:

National Package Protection Day; Electronic Greeting Day.

Tomorrow is breakfast with Ginny, my former neighbor. Then it’s home to clean the house! Have a warm and happy day! God bless…