On Monday, March 3, baby Zoey arrived at 7:30 a.m. for our day together. She loves my dogs. They are four year-old, Ginger and 15-month-old Reba. She could watch them all day. If I let them out to romp in the snow and sit by the window with Her, she is in her glory and could sit and watch for hours.

Another thing I noticed is she loves playing with Nichole’s doctor kit but she doesn’t know what it really is. She just likes to push the plastic needle in and out and chew on the stethoscope.

Tuesday, March 4, was still very cold. It finally got to 11-degrees above zero. I wrote my news and then my daughter, Kathy Neal Carnevale, called and offered to drive me to Altamont. I never refuse a ride as driving is not my favorite pastime anymore.

On Wednesday, March 5, my daughter, Marcia Pangburn, had the day off and we spent it together.

In the evening I went to Cobleskill with my grandson, Brandon Clark, to spend his dinner visit with his children, Samson and Nichole. On the way home I was petrified. A nuisance storm had caused very slippery snow conditions. Two cars had completely spun around on I88 and were headed in the wrong direction.

Thursday, March 6, was still very cold. I started getting ready to have family over on Saturday to celebrate “cousins” birthdays. I made sure the dining room table was ready to seat at least 12 and the kitchen table seats 6 to 8 people. Zoey will use a high chair.

I ordered long sleeved T-shirts, hoodies and hats for all three-birthday cousins. They were designed with “Ricketts Hunting Camp and Lodge”. My son, Danny, had identical tops for himself.

Danielle, Dan’s daughter gave his long sleeved T-shirt to cousin Chris Richardson; and he in turn gave it to Dan’s sister, Kathy.

Kassi wanted one and I just knew Brandon and his brother, Miles Pangburn, would also want these remembrances of their Uncle Dan.

On Friday, March 7, I went grocery shopping to prepare for the family gathering.

Brandon went to Cobleskill right from work to pick up Samson and Nichole. They like to help him feed the chickens and carry in wood for me.

I enjoyed a delicious dinner of pizza and garlic knots with Jenn Smith, Iain, Brandon, Samson and Nichole. My daughter, Marcia and Kyra were also invited.

On Saturday, my granddaughter, Kyra Swan came over to spend the day with Samson and Nichole. I spent the day preparing a turkey dinner. 

Enjoying dinner with me were Marcia, Kyra, Brandon, Jenn, Samson, Nichole, Iain Bullis, Miles, Melissa, Kathy, Gary, Kassi, Jared Martin, Danielle, Zoey, Matt Babcock, and family friend, Ray Rhodes.

Sunday, March 9, was church, and then Brandon, Samson and Nichole went sledding and were joined by Jenn and Iain. Now the children don’t want to miss a minute in the snow because it’s almost over. They ended their afternoon with Samson and Iain playing Xbox 360 and Nichole very interested in the layout of her bedroom in the new house.

Journeying with Jesus

The holy season of Lent had begun and so have the weekly Lenten services here in the Hilltowns. All area churches meet together during Lent to worship and share fellowship.

The Wednesday night services, March 19, is at the Rock Road Chapel at 7 p.m., and the preacher is Pastor Wendy Cook. The topic is “Service.” Come and worship with your neighbors.

Bible study

The Rev. Bob Hoffman leads a Bible study for adults and you are invited. The next study will be on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m., at the church hall at the Knox Reformed Church.