The Good Stuff ~ 1/27/2022

~~~~~~~~

~The Good and the Bad...Sometimes!  We got Laken's biopsy results and they are all normal!!!  We're still waiting on the allergy results.  We no sooner got the good news than Laken tested positive for COVID :(  The hubby and I both had symptoms also so were told to assume we were positive and quarantine.  Which we did willingly.  We're all perking up now and on the mend :)

~Dahlia!  Dahlia, Kaylee and Shawn's Great Dane pup, is growing like a weed!  I hadn't seen her for a few weeks (quarantine and all that) so I was shocked to see how much she has sprouted when Kaylee sent me a few pictures.  Look at those legs! :)

~Salted Caramel Butterscotch Candle!  Need I say more?  I'm so glad my sense of smell is back :)

~Smores!  Who says you can't have smores in the Winter?  Laken was craving smores, so smores she got.  She toasted her marshmallows over the cookstove fire in the kitchen.   So glad she's feeling better :)

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ I'm Thankful For ~ 11/18/2020

Welcome to Wondering Wednesdays hosted by A Baker's Perspective, a weekly post to learn more about me and other bloggers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today’s question is – What is something you are thankful for this year?

My Answer - Each Thursday I blog about what I'm thankful for that week.  I find that this helps me always be on the lookout for things to be thankful for.

This year has been a difficult year for so many.  All of us to some degree or another.

Therefore, I am especially thankful for the health of my family and friends.

There have been a few people I know who have gotten COVID.  Both my girls have been tested at some point and thankfully have both been negative.

COVID is just now really starting to hit closer to home and our small town.  We have been very blessed.  I continue to pray that God watches over us all and protects and gives us safety and health.

We have much to be thankful for!

What are you thankful for this year?

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/12/2020

 

Here are some things that made me thankful/smile this week:

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~ Revival!  We have been blessed this week to have had Revival Services at our Church with Derek Baker and Kirk Hacker.  After the normal "sermon portion" of the evening we then had a "discipleship" class in the social hall where we learned more about how to handle different scenarios we might come across when witnessing to people.  It was quite interesting.  I'm glad that I got to be a part of the experience :)

~Our Veterinarians!  I mentioned last week that we found a kitten under our porch and we named her Dusty.  She had some issues with going to the potty and got a blockage.  Our vet kept her for days working with her.  Dusty got to come home Saturday but Tuesday morning when I woke up I discovered she had passed away during the night.  She was so tiny that her chances were not good for survival.  I am thankful for everything the vet did to help her and also for the discount that was given for their services.  It just wasn't meant to be...

~Our Veterans!  Not to be confused with veterinarians are our Veterans.  Yesterday was Veteran's Day here in the USA.  I am proud to say that my Dad served in the Armed Forces so it is a big deal for us.  Our Church's Youth Group usually has a dinner to celebrate the Veterans, but due to COVID we had to cancel the dinner.  Instead, we sent our local Veterans gift cards for the diner in town.  We wanted to make sure to still show our appreciation.  Thank you to all those who have served and are still serving!  God Bless the USA!

~A Negative!  Laken wasn't feeling well last week so after a few days of her not feeling up to snuff, I called the pediatrician.  She recommended a COVID test.  Sigh.  So we waited for 5 hours at Medexpress for her turn to have the test administered on Friday.  We quarantined while waiting for a call with the results of the test even though she was feeling better.  Thankfully, the call came in Monday around noon that Laken was NEGATIVE for COVID!

~Groceries!  I know this seems like a strange thing to be thankful for, but after quarantining, we were getting to be like Mother Hubbard's Cupboard in the food department.  We still had plenty of food, don't get me wrong.  We were just out of the favorites and go-to's.  We were down to the foods that would take effort to prepare and you would have thought it was the end of the world with "nothing in this house to eat"!  Thankfully, I was able to make a grocery store run and stock back up on the "essentials".  :)

What are you thankful for this week? 

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/5/2020

 

Here are some things that made me thankful/smile this week:

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~ Health!  First and foremost, I'm thankful that me and mine have all stayed healthy during these crazy times.  I pray everyday over my family for safety and health.  How has your family fared?

~A Baby!  My cousin, Steph, told us recently that they will be blessed with a surprise addition to their family on (or about) April 5, 2021.  She already has 2 boys ages 8 and 3, so I'm secretly hoping for a little girl!  I see so many cute baby girl clothes and I'm ready to start spoiling :)

~November!  Personally, I love turning to a new page on the calendar.  Not only is it a new month, it is NOVEMBER!  How did this year fly by so fast yet drag on so slowly at the same time.  I can't believe that it is time to start planning the Holidays.  But, we did get some snow flurries in the beginning of the week so I guess I can start getting in the Thanksgiving/Christmas spirit :)

~Dusty!  We found a little baby kitten under our front porch.  We have outside cats but none of them are the mother so we can only assume that either someone dropped it off at our house or one of our cats "stole" it from somewhere and brought it home!  It is a little gray fluff ball and looks so much like a dust bunny that we named it "Dusty".  We took it to the vet for a look-over last Friday.  She said that Dusty is probably only about 4 weeks old.  We have her in a box in the Family Room and are feeding it milk replacer, soft food and the medicine given to us at by the vet.  So far, so good :)

~A New Kindle 10!  I mentioned the other day that my laptop died.  I debated getting and ipad but they are SO expensive.  Instead, I got a new, larger Kindle.  I still would like to get a new computer tower to go with my old equipment (montior, keyboard, etc.) so that I can blog easier.  Right now I'm using the hubby's laptop but it acts up quite frequently and annoys me to no end!  I've already put in my request for Christmas :)

What are you thankful for this week? 

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 5/21/20

A few sentences about each day...

May 13, 2020 - May 19, 2020

Wed/13 ~ Kaylee got home from work early.  Sunday she'll start working 10 hour days/6 days a week.  I think she's doing well and adjusting.  I'm adjusting too :)  I felt a bit lazy today and didn't walk on the treadmill as planned.  Now I need to walk the next four days to get my fitpoints before weigh in day next Monday.

Thurs/14  ~ Our County is going "Yellow' tomorrow!  I'm dreaming of a Hobby Lobby trip :)  Laken needs to get one of her friends a 13th Birthday gift and Hobby Lobby is a great place for gifts.  I love wandering around looking for great finds!

Fri/15 ~ Kaylee got her very first paycheck today.  My baby has grown up.  We sat down with her "budget binder" and went over the few expenses she has.  She was able to put a sizable chunk into savings and still have a pretty good amount of spending cash.  I'm so proud of how hard she's working. 

Sat/16 ~ We went to Sundae's!  They finally opened on Friday but it was jam-packed so we decided to wait until today to go.  I got a peanut butter sundae and it was scrumptiously delicious :)  Yesterday was Laken's last day of 7th grade.  I now officially have an 8th grader!  One more year and then comes High School!  Oh my!

Sun/17 ~ It was so wonderful to be back at Church!  Aunt Donna and Kaylee sang a special song called "Nobody"  They did an excellent job.  Kaylee works until 1am tonight.  I think I'm going to have to take a short nap and then wait for her to get home.

Mon/18 ~ Doug and I went for groceries this evening instead of in the morning.  The store nwo says that masks are not "required" but are "appreciated".  I was so tempted to take mine off so I could breathe easier but I didn't.  We stopped at the farmer's market and got flowers to plant in the flower pots on the deck.  Laken is excited to plant them!

Tues/19 ~ It was nice to get back into my morning routine of walking on the treadmill.  This afternoon we planted the flowers in the flower pots.  It was nice to dig into the dirt.  The wind was ridiculous though.  My patio umbrella blew out of the table and up over the roof of the house.  I  had to track it down...

Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/19/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday evening, it is a bit dreary but warm at about 65F.

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I still have a lot to do this evening.  Doug and I just got back from getting groceries and I still haven't exercised, read my devotions, or tracked my food on WW.  I still have to go pick Laken up from her friend's house so I don't think the treadmill is going to happen today...

I am thankful:

I am thankful that we were able to go back to Church yesterday.  It was wonderful seeing everyone even if we had to "social distance".

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is reading regency romance novels :)

I am creating:

I am still creating a granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.



I joined the first 4 rows and have 2.5 more rows completed in various stages of assembly.  I really need to get them all joined soon!

I am wearing:

I am wearing blue capris, a blue and tan patterned shirt and my trust flip flops.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I discovered this author with the first book of the "Ladies of Devon" series.  I then found this series "Women of Worth" and have the whole series downloaded.  I'm enjoying this first book of the series :)

I am hoping:

I am hoping that I can complete the 20 Books of Summer 2020.  I've committed to reading 20 books between June 1st and September 1st.  It is going to be tight but I'd really like to finish the entire challenge.  See my sidebar for more info on #20booksofsummer20 .

I am learning:

We learned that Kaylee got 3 A's and 2 B's this Spring Semester!  I'm so proud of her for finishing strong even though she started working full time the last few weeks of the semester.  We also learned that Laken got all A's for the school year.  She's now finished with 7th grade!  My babies are growing up!

In my kitchen:

Over the weekend we tried another new recipe called "3 Cheese Penne".  It had Italian sausage, sauce, penne and of course 3 different cheeses.  I'll be sharing the recipe sometime soon!

Shared Quote:

"As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one." "

Romans 3:10

A moment from my day:

A sneak peek a the 3 Cheese Penne :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 5/7/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 29, 2020 - May 5, 2020

Wed/29 ~ Kaylee's first day at work went well, I think.  She made it through, anyway :)  I was emotional all evening that my baby is all grown up and now working.  I made the mistake of looking at baby pictures and was a blubbering mess for a bit.  I stayed up until she got home so she could tell me all about her evening.

Thurs/30 ~ While waiting up for Kaylee to get home, Laken and I watched "Be Our Chef" on Disney Plus.  It is a really cute Disney themed cooking show where families compete against each other.  I admit that I dozed off on the couch.  I'm not used to staying up that late!

Fri/1 ~ I love turning my calendar to a new month.  I pray that May sees some improvement to our current pandemic situation.  Pennsylvania is starting to move some counties into phase "yellow" but my county is still on "red".  It makes no sense as to how they are picking counties to upon up.  Oh well.  Patience is a virtue.

Sat/2 ~ We finally had a nice day with no rain!  We spent a lot of time outside.  Kaylee enjoyed her Saturday off but said it went too fast.  Isn't that they way it goes?

Sun/3 ~ It dug out our Amazon Kindle fire and signed up for a free 2 month trial of Kindle Unlimited!  It was so much fun "shopping" for new books!  After home Church, we had Sunday dinner complete with homemade Apple Pie :)

Mon/4 ~ Today was gorgeous but very windy.  The wind about blew my car door off when I opened it at the gas station!  This is Kaylee's first Monday of working.  Over the weekend, we got her a lunch box and a metal water bottle to take with her to work.  Laken and I are watching "Mulan" while we wait up for Kaylee to get home.  Doug is on 3rd shift this week and already left.

Tues/5 ~ We sat in the bank drive-through for an hour today waiting to make a deposit!  After 1/2 hour I was ready to leave!  Patience prevailed and I got my banking done.  I've never seen such a line like that at the bank.  Kaylee is headed home from work as Doug is getting ready to leave for work.  She was able to leave early tonight.  I'm glad because I'm tired and ready to go to bed!

Until next week,

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 4/23/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 15, 2020 - April 21, 2020

Wed/15 ~ Doug and I had to brave Wal-Mart to pick up Laken new inhaler at the pharmacy.  Kaylee wanted to go along but I made her stay home.  Apparently, Governor Wolf made an order that you "must" wear a mask when going into stores.  I have one that my mom made me and I made one for Doug out of a t-shirt sleeve!

Thurs/16 ~ Laken and I started a new puzzle today.  She stayed up late last night to finish the last one.  The new one is 1500 pieces and is called "It's a Ruff Life" with tons of cute puppies.  Hopefully this one takes a while to put together.  Puzzles are hard to find at the store!

Fri/17 ~ Laken and I made Oreo Truffles this evening they were very easy to make so I posted the recipe here on my blog.  I was down 1.4 lbs this morning when I weighed in.  My Weekly Points reset today so I used a few for the Oreo Truffles :)

Sat/18 ~ It warmed up a bit today, at least enough to get a walk in.  This week is supposed to be nice so I'm hoping to get lots of FitPoints in.  Here's hoping!

Sun/19 ~ After two week off Doug is headed back to work.  We had another quiet Sunday with Home Church and an afternoon walk.  Starting tomorrow I need to work on getting into a better routine.

Mon/20 ~ Today's grocery run was our first time wearing masks to do our shopping.  It is now required in PA.  They've also extended our "stay at home" until May 8th!  I'm trying not to watch the news as much as I did "in the beginning".  It was giving me nightmares and lots of anxiety.

Tues/21 ~ We dropped the Nitro off at the local garage to get it inspected.   We still need to get new tires for the Subaru.  That will be next.  I got 5 FitPoints in today!  I have two more days to get in 6 FitPoints to meet my weekly goal of 25 FitPoints.  I also stayed within my daily food Points.  Hopefully, I'll see some results come Friday's weigh in.


Until next week,

Colletta

In the Kitchen ~ Oreo Truffles

Well, another quarantine week in the books!

We spent some more time in the kitchen today making Oreo Truffles!

Laken was the master chocolatier (???) this time.  She's made cake pops before so she was a pro! 

The chocolate hardened VERY fast because the Oreo truffles were frozen so we had some cracking in the chocolate but they are SO tasty!

Oreo Truffles

1 package Oreos
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 (12 oz) package chocolate candy melts

Crush the Oreos.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with Oreo crumbs until smooth.

Roll Oreo mixture into 1 in. balls.  Put onto cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap.  Put in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Melt chocolate (candy melts) according to package directions.

Cover truffles completely with chocolate.  Let cool.

Super simple and easy for the kiddos!

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 4/16/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 8, 2020 - April 14, 2020

Wed/8 ~ Another beautiful day!  We spent most of the day outside.  This evening Mom and I made up more Communion Kits.  The last ones we made were for 2 weeks.  This time we made them for 3 weeks.  That will take us through the end of April then we'll go from there.  Hopefully, by then things will be getting back to normal.

Thurs/9 ~ It rained just about all day and didn't get very warm.  We were basically in the house all day :(  I rejoined WW after a 2 month hiatus and gaining at least 10 lbs!  I signed up for the digital only.  I set Friday as my weigh in day.  I'm starting fresh tomorrow :)

Fri/10 ~ We had snow this morning!  April is always a crazy weather month here.  70F on day and two days later snow!  The kids have been camped out in the Family Room for 2 days.  I'm about ready to kick them back into their rooms so I can get the Family Room back in order.  I am loving the family time though :)

Sat/11 ~ We made Carrot Cake Bunnies for tomorrow's dessert.  They are super cute!  The girls colored eggs per tradition.  We spent a lot of time in the kitchen today.  We also worked on cutting brush that fell from all the wind lately.

Sun/12 ~ Today was an Easter Sunday unlike any I've ever experienced in my life.  We had home Church, like every Sunday lately.  We also had a nice dinner but that was all.  You could call it "quiet" but I'd call it "boring"!

Mon/13 ~ This was the first time I actually felt nervous to go out for groceries!  It is so sad to see people actually being afraid of other people.  Everyone was definitely practicing "social distancing" and were giving each other a wide berth.  I can't wait until things are more "normal".  Whatever, whenever, that might be.

Tues/14 ~ Laken had a "telemed"/"telehealth" visit with her pediatrician about her asthma.  At first we had trouble getting "Google Duo" to work but finally got it working.  The daily inhaler seems to be helping so we're sticking with that.  I was glad not to have to take Laken to the dr's office!

Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/14/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, it is raining.  In fact, there are severe thunderstorm warning and even a tornado warning for our area!  As if we need more to worry about!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I need to catch up on my letter writing.  My Pen Pal letter is way overdue to be written.  She probably thinks I fell off the end of the earth!

I am thankful:

I am thankful to be back from being out buying supplies and groceries.  Today was the first time that it actually made me nervous to go...

One of my favorite things:

"One "of my favorite things this week are actually two very special people:  my daughters!  Kaylee is on the left and she is almost 19 years old.  Laken is on the right and turned 13 years old in February.

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  What started as this:

Is now this:

I almost have all the squares completed.  I need 5 more squares and then I'll starting crocheting the squares together and after that comes the border!

I am wearing:

Today I am wearing a t-shirt with flowers on the front and a prayer of comfy gray capris.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm reading "Trinity" by Ronie Kendig about a Military War Dog.  I am loving it so far!

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Laken can finish out the school year strong!  We found out last week that schools are closed for the rest of the school year.  In Laken's school district, all student have an ipad and that is how they are doing their school work now.  So far, she has all A's for the 4th quarter!

I am learning:

I am learning from being out for groceries this morning that people are actually scared of each other!  It is truly a sorry state of affairs but I guess with COVID-19 you can't be too safe.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen, we made Porcupine Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes for Easter Dinner.  We have ham all the time and wanted something different to celebrate.  Laken also made Carrot Cake Bunnies with Cream Cheese Icing for dessert.  Click HERE for the recipe :)

Shared Quote:

"God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order."

Genesis 2:15 MSG

A moment from my day:

My computer buddy, Kona.  She likes to lay on the rug beside me while I'm blogging.  I said her name and got a head lift in acknowledgment. 

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 4/9/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 1, 2020 - April 7, 2020

Wed/1 ~ This day was totally stinky.  Pennsylvania's governor made all counties "stay at home" today.  While I understand (and really don't need to go anywhere), I really am finding out how much I enjoy the freedom to just get up and go wherever I want!  Bah Humbug!

Thurs/2 ~ I was feeling very gloomy today.  Actually, the past few days.  This evening we went for a long walk as a family and I felt much better afterwards.  The sun was shining even though it was still chilly.  The four of us walked and talked.  We need to do this on a regular basis.

Fri/3 ~  I went on two walks today.  One was first thing this morning and another this evening.  I feels good to have gotten so many steps in and to get outside.  My plantar fasciitis is bothering me a bit from walking so much on it today.  Hopefully it feels better by morning.

Sat/4 ~ I cleaned my patio table so that I could sit on the deck and crochet.  Getting outside on the nice days is imperative to my mental health!

Sun/5 ~ This was our second Church "At Home" Sunday.  I'm starting to realize how much I take "normal" Church for granted.  It was a beautiful day so after lunch Doug and I went for a walk.

Mon/6 ~ It was gorgeous outside today.  It was sunny and 70F on the deck.  I spent most of the afternoon and evening at the patio table working on my current project.  In the morning, Doug and I went out for supplies and groceries it is so weird seeing people wear masks to protect themselves from getting the virus...

Tues/7 ~ Since Doug is off this week, we took the opportunity to clean out the Subaru and the Nitro.  We are horrible about keeping out cars cleaned out.  We also cleaned the trunks out.  It was way past due!

Until next week,

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 4/2/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

25/Wed ~ Our Preacher and Elders have decided to cancel Church Services for the next two weeks.  Crazy times!  Mom and I put together Communion Kits for the Church members to come pick up.  It felt good to be doing something productive.  Lately, I feel like I'm just passing the time until "normal" life starts again.

26/Thurs ~ It was such a gorgeous day!  First thing this morning I sat on my swing soaking in the sunshine.  I went for a solitary walk this morning and for another walk with Kaylee this evening.  It was so nice to spend time outside, but I think it is supposed to rain again tomorrow :{

27/Fri ~ This evening was Family Game Night.  We play "Apples to Apples" for the first time ever.  It was interesting but I don't know if it will be favorite.  Then we played "Operation", a game we haven't played since the girls were little!  I was shocked that the batteries were still good :)

28/Sat ~ Another quiet day at home...I got some laundry done and we worked on another puzzle.  I'm getting ready to start a new book, "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden, a favorite author!

29/Sun ~ Today was a weird day.  It was strange not going to Church.  Instead, we had Church at home but I missed seeing all my Church family.  The National "Guidelines" have been extended to April 30th!

30/Mon ~ I'm feeling kind of bummed this evening even though it was a pretty good day.  I went grocery shopping so it will probably be my only time "out" this week.  I really need to get into a routine.  I need some sense of normalcy in my life instead of my emotions being all over the place.

31/Tues ~ Laken and I started our last puzzle today.  Kaylee had her online classes but to the one instructor is using Zoom and it makes Kaylee's laptop flip out.  She has to wait and then watch the video after the class is over.  Just one more month and she'll be done for the semester.  One more month!

Until next week,

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 3/26/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 18, 2020 - March 24, 2020

18/Wed ~ Doug and I have officially "been together" for 20 years!  20 years ago today was our first date :)  We usually re-enact our first date (Burger King and a movie) but with the whole "social distancing" hullabaloo, we aren't doing anything special this year.  Even so, I'm blessed beyond measure!

19/Thurs ~ The Governor of PA shut down "non life sustaining" businesses this evening.  The hubby works in a factory that makes carbide bits but didn't hear anything yet about a shut-down of his factory.  He just left for work (3rd shift) but I wonder if he'll be sent home???  I guess we'll find out...  Happy Spring!!! :)

20/Fri ~ Everyone is starting to get on each other's nerves and it has only been one week!  Laken and I went outside to go for a walk and the whole time she griped about not being able to do anything with her friends.  I finally had enough and told her, "It is what it is!  Deal with it!'  I need to tell myself the same from time to time.

21/Sat ~ We put a puzzle together as a family today.  It was a Thomas Kincaide Disney puzzle.  Doug is still "work as usual".  Go figure...

22/Sun ~ We had a quiet Sunday.  The girls and I went for a walk but it was still a bit chilly so we didn't stay out long.  I'll be glad for some warm weather!

23/Mon ~ It rained  ALL DAY LONG!  My goal is to get out for at least a short walk everyday but it didn't happen today.  I guess I could have done a walking DVD (Leslie Sansone) but I just wasn't feeling it.  It was really a very blah, boring day.  I must get out of this funk!  I need sunshine!

24/Tues ~ I officially turned 42-years-old at 7:18 am.  I'm the kind of person that gets excited for my birthday.  However, I must admit that the day was somewhat ho-hum.  We celebrated but there is just a tension going through everyone as we wonder what the future will hold.  Anyway...Happy Birthday to me!

Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 3/25/20

Looking out my window:

It is dreary but at least it isn't raining like it did ALL day long yesterday!

I am thinking:

About the changes in lifestyle we've had to adapt to over the past few weeks.  Laken is off school for another 2 weeks (at least) and Kaylee started her online classes today that will last the rest of the semester.

I am thankful:

I am thankful for the time spent with family, even though we are starting to drive each other crazy!

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is my birthday!  Most people my age don't like celebrating their birthday but I love it :)

I am creating:

I started a granny square afghan using colors that could go for either a male or a female.  I don't know that I've ever made an afghan without the token female colors of pink or purple!  Here are the colors I'm using.  If you have an idea for a name, let me hear it!

I am wearing:

I think I may be wearing the exact same clothes that I was wearing when I typed this post last week!  lol  Comfy pants and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.  I've added a sweater to the mix though as I was a bit chilly.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm still reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan.  I've made a good size dent in it by reading for 30-60 minutes before bed to wind down.

I am hoping:

I am hoping that COVID-19 stays far away from my family.  So far, no one in our county has tested positive but it is closing in as I watch the map of PA be updated day by day.

I am learning:

I am learning to amuse myself by working on my hobbies each for a little bit at a time so I don't get bored with one hobby.  Some of my hobbies are blogging, reading, crocheting, TV, movies and more.

In my kitchen:

Sun:  Ham Pot Pie

Mon:  Pork Chops, Cheesy Potatoes
Tues:  Cheese Ravioli with Pepperoni

Wed:  Ham, Fried Potatoes

Thurs:  Turkey and the all the Fixings

Fri:  Chicken, Buttered Noodles

Sat:  Grilled Cheese, Soup

Shared Quote:

"By the seventh day God had finished His Work.  On the seventh day He rested from all His work.  God blessed the seventh day.  he made it a Holy Day because on that day He rested from His work, all the creating God had done.  This is the story of how it all started, of Heaven and Earth when they were created."

Genesis 2:2-4 MSG

A moment from my day:

Roses my hubby got me for my birthday :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 3/19/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

11/Wed ~ Kaylee got the job!  Well, she has to pass a drug test first, but she starts March 23rd on second shift.  I don't know exactly what her schedule will be yet due to still finishing out the Semester of College.  Which, btw, Spring Break has been extended due to the Coronavirus...

12/Thurs ~ Kaylee went this morning to get her drug test done.  We stopped by the grocery store to stock up on a few things and it was a nut house!  I have to admit that everyone's hysteria is rubbing off on me a bit.  I've been worrying a little more than usual.

13/Fri ~ We found out today that Laken's school district (in PA) will be closed for 10 school days.  Kaylee's College Spring Break has been extended even further and then classes will be online for 2 weeks.  Things will be reassessed at that point.  It is getting scary!

14/Sat ~ Andrew's (my nephew) birthday party was today.  It was probably the last social event we'll have for a while.  Everyone is hunkering down waiting to see what is going to take place.

15/Sun ~ We had Church today.  It was wonderful to see everyone come out.  Hopefully, people will know when they should stay home though, i.e. when they are sick.  We had about 3 inches of snow when we woke up although it was pretty much melted by the time we got home from Church.

16/Mon ~ Today was the first day of "homeschooling" Laken.  It didn't go too badly but at first it was a bit like pulling teeth!  She even got an email from her Track & Field coach with conditioning exercises to try to keep the athletes in shape.   This has been quite the experience so far.  I anticipate things getting even stranger and far from normal.

17/Tues ~ Kaylee won't be starting her new job on March 23rd.  The company isn't bringing in any new workers for at least a 2 week period due to the COVID-19 guidelines.  All her paperwork is ready to go and they will call her again next Friday with updated information.  Doug's (the hubby) work is "as usual" so far.  To this point there are no cases of  COVID-19 in our County.


Until next week,

Colletta

Heart to Heart ~ The Coronavirus ~ 3/13/20

I've been thinking about writing this post for a few days but didn't really know what to say.  I think I was trying to avoid thinking about it overly much.

However, today we found out that my 7th grader's school is closing for 10 school days and my college student's Spring Break has been extended for a week and then classes will be online for an additional two weeks.

Up until this point, we haven't really been effected by the surge of news and warnings of the Coronavirus.  Other than a shortage of toilet paper and a bit of anxiety on my part...  

Never in my lifetime has something like this happened here in the United States and it is a bit worrisome.

Things are getting real.  How real???  I don't know.  I wish I did.

I will admit that I went to the store and stocked up on a few items so that we had enough staples to last the recommended 14 days.  It was mostly lunch items since both my girls will be home for the next few weeks.

What steps, if any, have you taken to prepare for a Coronavirus outbreak?  How have you been effected so far?

Blessings and Prayers,

Colletta