Mother is another word for love

To all moms, happy mother's day! You have an incredibly important job that no one else can fill. Thank you for training your children to be responsible, respectful Christians. Even if they don't follow your teaching, you have not failed! I think being a mom must be one of the hardest jobs there is.

I am so thankful for everything my mom taught me. When I think back to my growing up years, I know I resisted that teaching and felt angry at times that I had to work so hard. 😏 As the oldest child, it seemed like I always had chores. Hanging out and folding laundry, doing dishes (we didn't have a dishwasher until I was 14), cleaning... washing floors on my hands and knees, which I thought was the worst job ever! My mom taught me how to be particular and clean thoroughly. I remember the year after I got out of school doing a lot of baking and cooking, which I usually enjoyed. My sister Camille was a baby then and dad and mom were building a house, so I took care of her a lot. I'd rock her for her nap, then as she got older, read stories before her nap. There for awhile it was Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now! every day. As I got older, mom would bargain with me to make supper and take care of the house while she'd sew me a dress. Learning to sew, learning to drive, and being the first in my family to be in the youth caused frustration on both sides. I think I was a really horrible person to live with during adolescence. I know now that dad and mom were much wiser than I thought they were and did the best they knew how.

My mom is a forever friend, and I'm so lucky to have her nearby.

Keep up your courage, moms! Enjoy the attention and affection you receive today!

Sunday in the pharmacy

Working weekends can be really interesting depending who you're with. This was a blog-worthy one! Having Darren and Reuben together is always hilarious (for more on these co-workers, see this post). On weekends the atmosphere is much more low-key. The bosses aren't around and rules are relaxed. Today we had "church", which Darren does sometimes. Although I've worked with him on weekends before, I never experienced church until today. Apparently there's a Baptist church in Philadelphia that streams their service live online. For several hours Darren had it going in the background. I was in and out between the anteroom and main pharmacy and not always close enough to hear everything, but what I did hear was quite something. One of the first songs the choir sang was "How Great Thou Art" which actually didn't sound too bad. Later, though, there was an extremely strong, quavering voice singing solo and it was so extraordinary that even Darren made a remark about it. The pastor who spoke had a way of talking that sounded like he was rapping. Several times I thought his rhythm would end up in song, and towards the end of the sermon it did. His whole sermon was accompanied with intermittent musical chords. One thing I did hear him say was, "Because JEsus rose UP from the GRAVE, I can earn my bachelor's degree. Because JEsus rose UP from the GRAVE, I can start my own business." He listed at least twenty things I can do "Because JEsus rose UP from the GRAVE." Several times Darren let out an "AMEN". Another thing the pastor said was we go to church for "inspiration, information, and celebration." At one point Reuben said to me "This is not like your church, is it?"

After church was over Reuben played his music, which is the soundtrack for weekends when he works. He jokingly calls it "ethnic" music, but it's actually pop. Yesterday when a favorite song came on, he broke out a few dance steps and sang along. 😄

Yesterday and today someone brought cronuts. Anyone who's never had them really needs to try them! It's like a flaky, layered donut and incredibly delicious. In this area, you can find them at Giant. Some had Chinese food delivered for lunch yesterday, but I declined.

Reuben likes to tell me, "You never had quality entertainment like this when you worked on 2 North because there was no Darren and Reuben!" Very true!

On a more serious level, I am so thankful for what we have in our church. It's much more quiet, real, and heartfelt. How blessed I am to have it's safety!

thoughts on comments / greenhouse day

Since I had two days off in a row, I feel rested and ready to write! Sometimes it feels like I have nothing to say, but I've really surprised myself by how much I enjoy blogging. On that note, I want to say something about comments. First of all, I love when people leave a comment or message me privately in response to something I wrote about. Although I'm not looking for compliments, it's nice to feel more connected and has helped me to know I'm not alone. Even though I don't always reply, I read every comment. Since I feel like I've had my say, I like to leave the comments section for readers.

Today I went greenhousing! It was a cloudy, cool day so I thought it might not be so busy. Well, I guess it doesn't matter what the weather is, May is going to be a busy time to visit a greenhouse. Last night I decided exactly what I wanted to put in my planters so I could stay focused and not end up with stuff I didn't need or a wild conglomeration of colors. I pretty much stick to my favorites but it helps to know how I'm going to arrange them and how many I'll need. There's a greenhouse in Lancaster County that I've been going to the last few years because they usually have everything I want. Although I love visiting greenhouses, I don't have a lot of time to go here and there for what I want. Once again I was pleased with the selection and ended up spending almost the exact amount I had set aside from birthday money! Several succulents were part of my purchase. Although I haven't had such great luck with them, I'm not giving up yet! If anyone has tips on how to get them to grow indoors, let me know. I've been admiring the string of pearls plant so that was one I got.

The kitchen project is still in progress. We finished everything except the shiplap wall, so I was able to move back all the stuff that had been relocated to the living room. I know I've said it before, but I love the new look!

I'm working the next six days so need to get some rest. For those who have the weekend off, enjoy it!

compliment, don't criticize

If you can't say something nice, say nothing.

When I was a child, I remember being told this by my parents. I've been thinking about how we talk about other people. It bothers me when I hear others talking negatively about someone, but then I catch myself doing it too! Really, why do we need to talk about others unless we're going to say something good about them?

This is one of my dad's favorite quotes and has always been impressive to me, also. Certainly, when our conversation is mostly about people, it shows how small our world is. If you start paying attention, you soon realize that not only do we talk about people, but also criticize, make fun of, and gossip about others. When I hear others talk badly about someone and I see the same fault in that person, it's hard not to join in the negativity. Yet I want to be the person who never says anything bad about people.

This brings up another issue - giving constructive criticism. I believe there is definitely a time for that, but many of us don't have the talent to make it "constructive". For example, if I see a co-worker not doing their job properly, I refrain from saying something because I feel like I come across in a harsh way. But then it irritates me that they're doing something incorrectly and it's easy for me to tell someone else about it. When I feel like I'm being criticized, I soon start thinking I'm a failure. I realize this is my problem, but maybe if I got just as many compliments as criticism, it would make it easier to take. The last few days I've gotten quite a bit of criticism by one of my co-workers. It makes such a difference in how my day goes (not good) and exhausts me. Probably her intention is to train me to do better with constructive criticism, but it feels like nit-picking. So now I'm talking badly about someone, right?! When our struggles involve other people, it's hardly possible to not talk about them. I don't have answers, but I do know that I want to give more compliments and say only good things when I talk about others.

My friend Lesma

I still can hardly believe she's gone. The last time I saw her she brought me food and gave me a hug. I wish I had known it was the last time. I wish I had known she had cancer.

I got to know Lesma at work. She was the housekeeper in CCU when I worked there as a unit secretary. So many memories have come back since I heard she died in her sleep a month ago. Lesma had her faults, but she was a hard working, simple woman who became my friend. When I first got to know her she was in her 70's, working two jobs and sending money to her grown children back in Jamaica. She was no longer spry but kept plugging along, pushing her housekeeping cart, emptying trash, and cleaning rooms. When she got tired or had a slow time, she'd come sit at the secretary's desk and "take a five." Many times I and other people had a hard time understanding her with her thick Jamaican accent. "Yeah mon!" was usually her way of agreeing or saying yes. She'd complain about the cafeteria food, saying that's why her belly hurt. I suppose it was actually her cancer. Sometimes she'd have me make phone calls for her or explain notices she got in the mail. Several times she wanted me to buy things online for her... a phone case, shoes, something for her son in Jamaica. Once I talked to her son because she handed me the phone and told me to tell him about something she got in the mail regarding her 401k. That was a little awkward! I introduced her to Google street view and she showed me where she lived (a row house in downtown Reading), and I showed her my house. Then she wanted to "see Jamaica." She was intrigued with that. Many times she wanted to share food with me. One time there was a meal given for the housekeeping department and she brought me a plate piled high with different kinds of pasta they had. In 2017 she became a United States citizen and the CCU staff threw her a party. We were so happy and proud for her! This picture, taken that day, is on her WhatsApp profile.

After looking at hair styles online at work for weeks before, she got her hair done especially for her citizenship ceremony. One of the nurses from work went to the courthouse to witness the ceremony. Lesma retired from the hospital towards the end of last year but came back a couple times to see everyone.

Today a memorial service was held in the hospital chapel in honor of Lesma. Quite a few people attended and shared memories and some tears. I'm glad I had the chance to get to know this Jamaican mama. I wish I could spend one more day with her.

garden ramblings

Ahhh spring! I think I forget how beautiful it is because every year I marvel at how the earth bursts forth with new life. In my opinion, this spring has been one of the nicest we've had for awhile. Some years it's just dreary, rainy, and cold until May, which is what Darren from work calls "sprinter". We've had enough sunshine and rain to transform the landscape from what it was a few weeks ago. My hostas, astilbe, ferns, and other perennials have pushed through the soil and dead leaves that covered them through the winter. The two woodland garden beds are full of daffodils and now that I've tackled most of the weeds, are looking wonderful. The lilac bush I planted 2 or 3 years ago is finally getting more growth and has 3 dark purple flowers almost ready to bloom. In a few days, those flowers are definitely coming in the house so I can enjoy their scent. Lilacs are unquestionably my favorite spring flower; I think because it brings back memories of my childhood home where there was a big lilac bush.

When I worked at the greenhouse I'd get antsy to plant flowers and probably would've had some annuals out by now. I've learned to hold back at least until May because there's still a likelihood of frost, plus the plants will grow better in the warm greenhouse. I'm already looking ahead at my work schedule and planning when I can take a day and go "greenhousing," a spring ritual that's one of the best days of the year for me! Today I got out the planters I want to use and repainted one of them. Since I was off and it was a gorgeous day, I spent the afternoon outside working in the woodland gardens. There were some dead bushes that needed to be removed and I did some rearranging of plants. Every year I move things around but hope I'll finally get it the way I want it yet! These garden beds are something I made out of what was once a fern/weed patch. It's what I see when I look out my kitchen window, so I planted perennials, bushes, and a few trees to create a more pleasing view from the kitchen and back of the house. Since it's at the edge of the woods, I've had to find plants that like shade, wet soil, and are deer resistant. I've had some success and quite a few failures, but every year it becomes more established and closer to what I want to make it.

This kind of weather never seems to last long enough for all I want to accomplish. There's probably at least 30 bushes that need fertilizing and more winter cleanup yet. We decided to get someone to do our mulching this year, since we both have other things to keep up with.

Cliff has been steadily working at painting the kitchen while I've worked the last 3 evenings. I am so happy with the color I chose! It's fresh-looking and blends well with my not-so-pretty cabinets and countertop. In fact, I like it so much I'm having second thoughts about doing shiplap on one wall. The other walls are cut up with cabinets and doorways so it doesn't seem like there's enough of the paint showing. My two signs are on the way and I think they will be perfect!

Take the time to go outside and enjoy spring while it's here. Cleaning and housekeeping can wait for a rainy day!😉

what's happening

What I'm reading
When we were in Ohio last weekend we browsed antique shops in the quaint town of Millersburg. I was delighted to acquire four excellent condition 1918 edition books by O. Henry with the following titles: Rolling Stones, Cabbages and Kings, Heart of the West, Whirligigs. I didn't know such books existed and immediately knew I wanted them. In my opinion, O. Henry is the master of short stories with surprise endings. Some of my favorites are The Ransom of Red Chief, After Twenty Years, and The Gift of the Magi. 

After hearing so many Peter Pan references from a coworker because of my name, I listened to the book while on our trip. The Wizard of Oz is another one I just finished because the people I work with invariably made some comment about Dorothy, slippers, or the yellow brick road when I told them I was going to Kansas on my vacation. Now I finally know what they're talking about! I think I read abridged versions as a child but didn't really remember the story.

Although I'm usually skeptical of current popular books, I decided to see what the hoopla about Girl, Wash Your Face was all about. I'm not very far into the book yet but am enjoying it.

What I'm smelling
Hyacinths... the scent of spring! Three freshly picked beauties smelled up my whole kitchen until paint fumes drowned them out. But I'm happy for the fumes because it means progress!

What I'm eating 
Camille wanted me to bring some freshly ground honey roasted peanut butter from Echo Hill out to Kansas. I was introduced to bananas with peanut butter and there's no turning back! Thankfully it's basically a healthy food, right? I think the protein and potassium outweigh the higher calorie count. If you're going to eat bananas with peanut butter, please try the freshly ground honey roasted...it's amazing!

What I'm wearing 
Since I'm on my feet and walking so much at work, I've been searching for the most comfortable shoes. My wide, bunioned feet are not happy when made to wear something uncomfortable. After trying and returning Alegria nursing clogs and other supposed-to-be-the-best shoes, the most comfortable ones I've found are Skechers, especially these. I love that they're slip-on... so quick and easy to slide on those mornings when I'm running late!

What's going on at work
Our main anteroom tech had her 3rd child and is going from full time to per diem. Although we all work a rotation, those who show more ability for certain areas are more often scheduled to work there. I've been enjoying the pace and challenge of the anteroom, as well as the hours (7 am - 3:30 pm). Our next schedule was just posted, and I'm on for anteroom over 75% of the time. I'm happy about that!

What I need to do now - go to bed! 5:15 am will be here much too soon!

Opinions, please!

I'm shopping for some new decor for when my kitchen makeover is complete. Update: wallpaper torn off; next step, primer. I haven't bought paint yet, but am pretty settled on "honeydew" from Sherwin- Williams.

We got inspired to put white shiplap on one wall when we saw it in my sister's house. Can't wait to see the final result! I'm looking for a sign to put on the shiplap wall. I found this lovely one with a favorite quote which I already purchased for on top of the cabinets.

This sign sparks joy for me! I'm really impressed with this seller's products, and contacted her to see if she could make a custom sign, which she agreed to. Now to decide the size and what I want the sign to say! There's another Laura Ingalls Wilder quote I really like, but it's kind of the same thought as the sign I already got. Here it is.

I love this quote because I've found it to be so true. Here's another one I'm looking at.

I've always loved this simple message. Laura Ingalls Wilder must be a kindred spirit! Another sign I think would be neat is one like this.

I have a hard time making up my mind when there's more than one thing I like! If my readers have an opinion, will you please let me know in the comments or by messaging me? Vote with these numbers. 

#1: The true way to live...   

#2: Home is the nicest word there is 

#3: sweet tea

Looking forward to hearing from you! 😊

Kansas vacation

We just spent a delightful five days in Kansas with my little sister and her husband of six months. It was so neat getting to see her house for the first time, eat her delicious meals, and have sister time! Although I'm lucky enough to live at the same place as my parents and two brothers, I miss my sisters! I'm so glad we love each other and get along. Not everyone can say that!

Driving is our preferred way of traveling. It's so much more relaxing when you don't have to be at the airport at a certain time, pack everything just right, wait in long lines, and be squished into an airplane seat. On our way to Kansas we left around midnight and drove for eighteen hours. Then we were able to have a relaxing evening at a motel and get rested before driving six hours the next day. Cliff had been working nights the week we left, so he was used to staying awake, which worked out great.

While we were there, Kansas showed us some of its most beautiful and most uncomfortable weather. Thankfully it was sunny, calm, and warm for the most part. We experienced a 60° change in temperature one day though, with tremendous wind causing clouds of dust. The following morning there was a slight dusting of snow. Overall, springtime was at least two weeks farther along than at home. I had fun working in Camille's yard, making a flowerbed and planting bushes. The men pitched in and tilled up the flowerbed and tore out overgrown bushes. Of interest to me was the fact that I never saw one rock while working in the soil. That's so drastically different from home, where everywhere I dig, there's lots of rocks! The day was topped off with an outdoor supper of hot dogs and s'mores. It was a calm perfect evening to spend around the fire with Derek's family. His family also treated us to a grilled pizza meal at their house the first evening we were there. All different kinds of yummy pizzas, including dill pickle and dessert pizzas, were served.

My birthday was spent with the men going to an air museum while Camille and I got pedicures and shopped. 😊 Lunch was at a great bbq restaurant, and I indulged myself with a piece of fabulous lemon meringue pie later. The next day Cliff and I and Camille went to Montezuma. We had lunch with one of my oldest friends while Camille met one of her friends. Old friends truly are "gold." No matter how much time goes by without any contact, when you meet them again, there's always that connection.

In the afternoon we spent time with my Aunt Anna and her family. Derek joined us there for a tasty supper. We all enjoyed being with them and having some good laughs!

Goodbyes are no fun, especially if you don't know when you'll see each other again. It tugged on my heart to leave her out there on the plains of western Kansas. But she has a good husband, a lovely home, and people to look after her there. She will make it.

We're driving through the night again and will keep going until sometime tomorrow when we'll stop in Ohio to be with my other sister and her family. It's been a wonderful vacation!

reflections on my work family

I haven't written about work for awhile, and thought I could tell some stories about the colorful people who have become my work family. It's definitely broadened my horizons to get outside of the Mennonite culture and see how other people live their lives. All names will be changed to protect privacy, and I'm afraid this will be a lengthy post. Consider yourself warned!

Pharmacists are paid salary, but most work 8.5 hour days like we techs. However, we have four pharmacists who work seven 12 hour days on, then seven days off. Two of them, whom I'll call Josh and Isaiah, rotate working night shift, so I'm not with them as much but our shifts do overlap some. The other two, Greg and Reuben, rotate working approximately 10 am to 10 pm, called evening shift. So one week we have Reuben/Josh, and the next is Greg/Isaiah. Reuben is a gentle yet strict Nigerian man who loves to tease and laugh, although that definitely wasn't the first impression I got. He can be rather demanding and questioning with the techs and at first seemed kind of scary. He has also been designated pharmacy "pot stirrer" for several years. To digress, every year during pharmacy week we have special activities. One of them is voting on superlatives - assigning awards to different categories like "most helpful", "cool as a cucumber", "fashionista", "most improved", and more. Last year pharmacy week was soon after I joined the team and didn't know everyone as well. Even before I found out Reuben carried that title for several years, I knew he was the one I would select for pot stirrer! He's not loud, but insistent and likes to challenge people, including the manager and pharmacy director. Then later he will talk and laugh about how he got them riled up. He has several trademark phrases that come up during discussions. When someone wants him to do something a little questionable or shady, he refuses to budge and says, "They are wanting me to bend the rules, but I am not a liar. I can't even tell a white lie, because I am a black man!" Then he will laugh his silent, wheezy chuckle. Another comment when he's offered something sweet is "I'm sweet enough." He is a man of habit, eating and warming his coffee at nearly the same time every day. Every afternoon he goes outside to move his car. When the parking lot empties out later in the day he tries to park as close to the steps as possible, because "I am a black man and if someone sees me out in the field (parked way out by the cornfield) at night, they will call security!" I've come to look forward to working with Reuben, especially in the evenings or on weekends when there aren't as many people around and he "cuts loose."

Greg, an older man married to a male partner, is the party type, socializing and talking a lot. He loves eating, cooking, and discussing food. When he works on the weekend, food is usually ordered or brought in. Josh is a tall, silent man who is hard to get to know. What I've heard from other employees is his wife walked out years ago and left him with 3 or 4 young kids. He's raised them on his own, working nights. I was a little intimidated by him at first, but have come to appreciate his quiet good sense. The other night shift pharmacist, Isaiah, is another African (Ghanaian?) man who seemingly has never climatized to our non-tropical weather. I have never seen him without a beanie, and he's known to crank up the heat at night.

Now for a description of Julie. It will be hard to convey her personality in words. I have never met or known anyone quite like her! She only works 3 evenings a week from 5:00 - 9:30, but leaves an unforgettable impression. At 5:00, here she comes, bouncing in with a hearty "hELLLo! hELLLo! hELLLo!" Everyone knows there are certain things Julie will always do (it's generally assumed she has OCD). She always does the TPN's (total parenteral nutrition, providing nutrition through IV) if there are any. She checks all the printers and adds paper. She rolls a chair that usually is set up kind of in the middle of nowhere for anyone working on a mobile computer, across the pharmacy to another desk. She closes drawers that are left partly open. During her shift, discarded labels and papers pile up beside her. There's probably other things I'm not thinking of that are part of her routine. She's a loud, exuberant woman who I'd compare to Tigger. The part that blows everyone away is that she's married to our medication safety pharmacist, who is serious, sober, stern, and COMPLETELY her opposite! Yes, I know opposites attract, but they are an exceptional contrast!

It's time to give some space to a technician. Our lead tech, Carmen, keeps everyone in line, including pharmacists! I'm not sure how long she's worked there, but she can answer almost any question, even those that only pertain to a pharmacist's role. She's not afraid to yell at someone who she thinks is out of line, and is the glue that holds it together.

Darren is probably the coworker I talk about most often. When he's around, he demands your attention. Talking is one of his major talents, and favorite subjects are football, winning the lottery (more on that later), how his daughter is doing in school, "going to the chapel", which is the bathroom near the hospital chapel, and losing weight for his high school reunion in June. Currently he's doing the low carb diet and has lost at least 25 pounds, but we've been hearing about this before he even started dieting. He'd tell people he had a one-pack and needed to get a six-pack. Darren is often the pharmacist you work with when you're in the clean room. Everyone who trains in the clean room is "sworn in" by Darren. You put your right hand on a pack of alcohol wipes, raise your left, and repeat after him a creed about maintaining sterility and so on, ending with "what happens in the clean room stays in the clean room." 😂 Once you're back there, he'll ask all kinds of questions about your personal life. Several times he's asked me if my marriage was arranged and wanted to know all the details about how we got together.🙄 Yesterday one of the questions he asked me was "If, God forbid, your husband would die, would you get remarried?" He's not afraid to get in your space and take over so you have to be straightforward and tell him to back off if he gets to be too much. It can be rather distracting when you're trying to concentrate and he's going on about something. Several times he's told me what he'd do if he won the powerball lottery. He's got it all figured out - where he would give donations, what kind of vacation home he wants, and says he'll pay off the debts of everyone in the pharmacy - mortgages, student loans, etc. Then he asks me what I'd do if I had 200 million dollars. I haven't told him I don't believe in playing the lottery because I'm sure he'd have to know all the reasons why and I'm not prepared for that kind of interrogation, so I just play along with him. Yesterday he asked if I won the lottery, would I go to college? If I could study anything I wanted, what would it be? Never a dull moment with him! He's the "drama king" of the pharmacy, getting excited and blowing things out of proportion and sometimes his intensity can put everyone on edge. However, I think we all like Darren because he gives us things to laugh at.

That's only seven of my coworkers! There's at least twenty more I could say something about, but the ones I've described are probably the most outstanding. We have a fairly diverse team that includes Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, gay, straight, old, young, and one Mennonite girl! It keeps work interesting and colorful!

a trip down memory lane

Tonight Fleetwood hosted a song service for all the Pennsylvania congregations. It's been years since I've attended one of them! When I was growing up and in the youth, they were held every 5th Sunday and all the congregations took turns hosting them. Being there tonight brought back youth memories and a sense of disbelief that the people I used to watch as a young girl now have youth children of their own! I could pick out who some of the youth were because I knew their parents. Those of us who were youth together not so many years ago now have some gray hairs and carry extra pounds. Sometimes I forget what it was like to be 16 or 17 (half my lifetime ago! 😳) but watching all those young people helped revive some of those feelings. I remember a sense of vibrancy and excitement about life and the future, being carefree with no real responsibility, having fun with friends and meeting new people, so many enjoyable times singing, but also feelings of inferiority and self-consciousness. There was always someone prettier, more popular, a better singer or ball player... and that really was a big thing! How small those struggles look now! Sometimes I miss the feeling of life being an unknown road in front of me, excited about possibilities and dreams. At this point, my life seems pretty predictable and I've become more cynical of dreams and expectations. Some of my dreams did come true though! I remember saying when I was quite young that I wanted to wear glasses (✅), be a teacher (✅), and be fat (well, I'm maybe not fat, but certainly not skinny either so ✅!🤭) I also remember wanting to write a book, but that one hasn't really come true unless you count this blog! Sometimes I feel like a totally different person than I was as a young girl and teenager.

Even though my life didn't exactly turn out how I dreamed it would, I'm thankful for the good things God has given me. 🎶"If I had ten thousand lives with which to praise Him... I could never praise Him half enough."🎶 

Makeovers and March rays

Since my last post, I got inspired to do a kitchen makeover. My dream is to one day add on a bigger kitchen/dining area, but that will probably be several years down the road. We've never updated the kitchen in our six years of living here, so I decided it was time for a new look. Ideally I should've started this project during the winter because now spring is just around the corner and as soon as it's warmer I'll want to spend every possible minute outside! Generally I'm not an impulsive person but sometimes when an idea hits me I pounce on it. This was one of those times! Enthusiastically I started ripping off wallpaper but soon realized it wouldn't come off without a fight. After much scraping and trying different methods I finally figured out what works best. In the process I nicked and tore the drywall in some places, much to Cliff's annoyance. His level of enthusiasm for the project was quite a bit lower than mine but he's been a champ and come around. There's still quite a bit of wallpaper to tear off but I'm hoping we can both work on it this Saturday. I'm having fun dreaming up new decor and looking at paint samples.

The spring peepers are here!! They make such a lovely night sound that means we've made it through winter and the earth is waking up. Near our house there's a swampy area where the sound comes from, getting noticeably louder every night. Robins are hopping around and in the morning I hear their song of spring. This time of year makes me yearn for my greenhouse days - the smell of fresh, wet soil and growing things, dirty hands, and warm sun beaming down on my neck.

When I explored my yard this afternoon I saw the deer have once again been devouring my plants. Ugh! I feel like I'm in a losing battle with those creatures.

Today was my much needed day off. It flew by too fast of course, but overall I had a relaxing day. This afternoon when the sun was streaming through the patio door I got an urge to lay down in that patch of sun. Ahhh, such bliss! The warmth and light felt heavenly on my skin, although I felt a little cat-like lying there.

My fresh line-dried sheets are waiting for me, so goodnight!

What's your style?

Recently my mom, sisters, and I were discussing home decorating on our chat. Some of us struggle with knowing how to create a cozy, beautiful home environment. Others don't worry about trying to be "in" and just use things we like to make our homes attractive. I love decorating but I certainly am not one who periodically redecorates with the latest fad. Farmhouse style? Nah. I don't live in a farmhouse so why try to make my home something it's not? Beach/tropical? Nope. I don't live in a beachy, tropical part of the world so that's ridiculous. Same goes for lake/cabin decor. The thing about fads is they quickly become outdated. Remember when Thomas Kinkade was all the rage? Not long ago, painting walls with vibrant colors was considered ideal. Now the neutrals have come back with the farmhouse style. I remember when neutrals were the fashion before. There's always a little different twist, just like with patterns and clothes, but the old becomes new again. Several years ago, country style decor was the trend. At that time, I was more into following the "in" thing, and my home probably reflects that style the most. However, I have a low tolerance for clutter and have never been one to cover every surface and corner with "stuff." I'm not very sentimental either, and don't have a problem getting rid of things. If you don't love it, why keep it?

I haven't read the wildly popular book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but have read some about the KonMari method and like what I hear. The rule of only having things that spark joy is a great way to make decisions. Occasionally I see something that instantly grabs me and I know it's perfect. That's what I think sparking joy is about. When I'm changing some of my decor or rearranging, I try different things until I hit upon the one that makes me feel the happiest.

I'm also not a fan of anything fake, although that doesn't mean there's no fakes in my house! Why buy a new item that's made to look vintage? Give me the real thing. Imperfect, scratched, rusty items have character and reflect the real struggle of living. Old items passed down through generations are far more valuable to those who know the story behind them. I treasure anything that was used or made by my grandmas. Several years ago at a Swarey reunion, we had an auction and Grandma sold a few of her things. There were several serving bowls that I remember eating browned butter noodles out of and I am happy to now own one! Recently I got a handmade rag rug from Grandma Byler that will always be cherished. Somehow I came into possession of a little suitcase owned by my Amish great-grandma, which I filled with old books. This is beginning to sound like I'm sentimental after all! As I get older, I value things I remember from my childhood because they are associated with good memories.

Having a classic, timeless style and surrounding myself with things I love is my goal. I want my home to be cozy, welcoming, and relaxing. In the larger scheme of life, these things are unimportant, yet I think we all want to make our homes a refuge and an "island of joy."

of Irish and Amish

Since St. Patrick's day is tomorrow, I've been thinking Irish! I'm lucky enough to know a little about my Irish heritage. In the book Rosanna of the Amish, the story is told how Bridget O'Connor and her brothers John and William came to America. Bridget married an Irishman, Pat McGonegal, and four children were born to them. Before Pat married he worked in Pennsylvania and boarded with an Amish woman. After their marriage, Pat and Bridget lived with this Amish woman, Elizabeth Yoder, until they were able to find a home of their own. They remained friends with Elizabeth, who taught Bridget many homemaking skills. Unfortunately, Bridget died after the birth of her fourth child, Rosanna. During her illness and death, Bridget was cared for by Elizabeth, who also took care of her baby. Pat decided to take his three oldest children to live with relatives in Philadelphia and leave Rosanna with Elizabeth. From time to time, Elizabeth would receive letters from Pat, but eventually they stopped coming and she felt something must have happened to him. When Rosanna was nine years old, her older brother William came to visit and confirmed that Pat was killed while working in a gravel mine. William intended to take Rosanna back with him, but Rosanna did not want to leave Elizabeth, whom she called "Momly" and the only home she had ever known. So she stayed and was raised as an Amish girl. At some point, they moved to the Amish settlement in the Big Valley (Belleville) where Rosanna married and had children of her own. Rosanna was my great-great-great-great grandmother. Her youngest son, Joseph, wrote the book Rosanna of the Amish, which is a very interesting story that gives a true view into Amish life.

When I was in 4th or 5th grade, my teacher read us this book, and it was arranged for our class to make a trip to Belleville and see some of the landmarks associated with Rosanna. One of the houses she lived in is still standing, and we also visited her gravesite. Afterwards, we went to my Grandma Byler's for a traditional Amish church meal of bean soup, moon pies, white pickles, and cold cuts. I grew up eating this food whenever we visited Grandpa Byler's, and to this day, I consider it delicious. To those who didn't grow up with it though, the bean soup can be rather off-putting. It's made with milk and white beans (no meat) and you put chunks of day-old dry bread in it as you eat it, along with a sprinkle of allspice, if you like. Moon pies are basically half moon shaped dried apple pies. My grandma makes the absolute best! 

I've always wanted to go to Ireland, and recently decided I'm going to do it! We're hoping to go sometime next year. I want to see Killarney, where my ancestors came from, and experience the Emerald Isle. 

According to legend, St. Patrick explained the holy Trinity using a shamrock, or young clover. It is rather disappointing that this missionary's life is celebrated among the world by drinking and partying. 

I'll end with an Irish blessing.

winter wonder

Yesterday morning we awoke to a white winter wonderland. Every tree, branch, and stick was coated with a puff of snow. To see the sun shining on all that whiteness was dazzling! Believe it or not, I'm actually enjoying winter this year. It's a slower-paced, cozy season. There's no outside work (Cliff takes care of the snow removal 😊) and long, dark evenings to be at home. In the past, that would make me depressed, but I've gradually come to see the pleasurable side of winter. One thing that has made a big difference in my feeling towards winter is having a warm house. Being cold makes me cranky. When our wood stove is going, it's often around 80 degrees in the house. We have to open windows because it gets too hot but I consider that a blessing!

I've been making an effort to go on a walk at least 5 times a week. It can be challenging with my work schedule and the weather, but I've managed to accomplish it! Getting outside and exercising is so much more appealing to me than walking on a treadmill or going to the gym. I believe the fresh air does wonders to clear your head and maybe even your skin! It's always invigorating even though some days I feel like I have to drag myself out there. It seems the air is beginning to have a touch of spring and the days are getting noticeably longer now. Soon the dark winter evenings will be over!

One of the pleasures of living in Pennsylvania is getting to experience all four seasons. My favorite is still spring, but I've come to love them all. Each one has a distinct smell, sound, and feel. In the beauty of nature is proof that God loves us.

Now, I'm going to get my walking shoes on and get that fresh air in my lungs before I have to leave for work!