Baby it's Cold Outside...

 

Look at our sweet little squirrel...poor baby, see how cold he is, he has his tail swiped up over his back!  

 

The other day we dropped some gifts off to MY Red Hat Secret Sister. I was only able to get to one Red Hat luncheon this year.. We always tell each other who the secret sister is in December. I called and told her, then we dropped her gifts off. (Thank goodness for Tom!!-he's my legs!)

 

 

Here is my friend and Tom decorating our house last week! It is so pretty of a night... I will get a few more pictures of things she found, that I had almost forgot we had..ha! Do you ever do that?? Have some items buried in boxes and maybe (like me) can't get to them. Our tree is put away fully decorated...so that is easy to get out. However, we have boxes of items way up on a couple of shelves! And  Sherry being much younger than us..climbed up and brought the boxes down so I could go through them and pick out what I wanted.

 

Now look...my Secret Sister stopped by yesterday and brought me my gifts from last year ha..ha.. She wasn't able to come to the luncheons either and felt bad...but when I saw all the gifts I told her, "gosh it looks like Christmas...Oh ya it is Christmas" and we both laughed!  Look at that doll isn't she just adorable? Oh..I was just so excited...getting all those gifts at one time!! She is just a wonderful lady!!!

 

We had a busy day...it was warmer 28 degrees..versus single digit temperatures that we have been having. We finished the newsletters and mailed them. Yeah!! Then we had to go to the store. We are ready for bed... Hope you're having a good week!

 

Blessings...

 

more as it happens here in the city............ 

Crazy few Days...

 

This was the horrible tornado that went through our area last night. I was so worried about my granddaughter and her family. I was on the phone texting her along with my son. Turned out she was working at the hospital and was okay. Lorelai and her dad, were at his family. He got a call that he had to return home and go to work, as he's a lineman and there were plenty of electric lines down. He left little Lorelai with her grandparents. Then my concern was their home as it was close to where there was lots of damage. I found out this morning that it too was okay. Prayers really do work. If you need prayers, please let me know and we will all prayer for you and your needs.

 

Now, on a lighter note!! I finally was able to go to my first Red Hat luncheon this year. It was so nice to see everyone! I have missed them so much!! I walked into the room and everyone started to clap..and several jumped up and gave my lots of big ((hugs))! What a blessing these girlfriends are!

 

It was our Halloween celebration, so many were all dressed up in many different costumes! All I had was a spider web pin (can you see it??) smile.. Our Queen gave it to me many years ago, since I was the 'web mistress' as I had made a web page for our chapter!

 

Here is the rest of our porch setting, which includes my Mothers Day flower! It did really good this year, as you can see.

 

Our yard is so full of leaves...and they keep coming down. Tom's mower broke and we finally got it back yesterday. So, he will soon be 'vacuuming' them up...lol

 

 

Tonight we went to the monthly fish fry and got to visit with all our friends! My cousin, top right picture came so we could see each other and visit. smile... It was so good to see her. Oh, and by the way the fish was amazing!! smile...

 

Hope you had a good week...

 

more as it happens here in the city..............

Look Alikes

Have you ever heard that we all have a twin out there somewhere?? Actually, back when I was a freshman in high school, we found a book in the library of another schools  newsletter and there I was! smile... Yes, my twin, another girl who looked just like ME! Now today, I would have followed through with finding her!! But not then... Fast forward to today...when we go out to the doctors office the receptionist Angie, really reminds us of our granddaughter Ashley! What do you think?? Actually Ashley is a blond, but at one time she dyed her hair..(that is how I got this picture from back then). They both have natural curly hair, yet each one straighten it every so often...(how funny is that?) Angie is older and has a baby, Ashley will soon graduate college and get married in June! It's just like seeing our Ashley each time we go to the doctors! smile... Speaking of doctors, I went today and got a cortisone shot in my hip. Pray..pray..pray...that this takes care of my problem!!! (thank you)

 No, I didn't make it to Red Hat's today due to the pain in my leg and hip!!sad.......

I just have to end this post with another photo of something that happened here the other day. The truck driver thought he had cleared the tracks as he was waiting for the red light to change! Then 'boom'...smile... The reason I shared this...no one was hurt in this accident...but it was a 'Oops moment!'....

Hope you have a good weekend.......

more as it happens here in the city........

Christmas Past

I was checking out some old Christmas photos and I came across this one. This is me in 1959, some of the things I see, I'm kneeling in front of our 'artificial' tree, showing off my travel suitcase that my folks got me for Christmas (and I still have it today!) I think the clothes I had on were gifts also! I see Mom must have gotten a new coffee maker! Also, I noticed the window...where I had stenciled with spray snow, Santa flying across the snow laden hills! We lived in a 5 bedroom farm house, but the upstairs wasn't heated in the winter, so my brothers slept on a fold out couch in the front room. You can see their clothes laying on the sewing machine and hanging on the curtain rod! I had a bed in my folk's bedroom. I think that is why I always loved springtime the best, as that is when we got to have our own bedrooms again upstairs!! smile....  

I thought you would like to see our little Rusty the other night. I about cracked up, when I looked over there and saw how he was holding his treat in his mouth! Looks just like a big cigar doesn't it? ha...ha...

Tomorrow we take him back out to the vet to get his stitches taken out! He has been such a good boy, we didn't even need to use the collar...as he didn't chew on his tail.

I told you, I'd share some of the fun we had at our Red Hat Christmas luncheon. Three ladies 'volunteered' and  they had three helpers and they decorated each one turning them into angels! They were given white tissue paper, ribbon, gold cord and scotch tape! Didn't they all do a great job?? smile....

We made some crock-pot dressing this afternoon and will turn it on tomorrow for our South Bottoms Christmas potluck! It should be amazing and lots of fun!

I hope you are having a good week! 

more as it happens.......

Snowflake Day

What a glorious day....our first snowfall and it amounted to an inch of snow.. Snow flakes are so magical especially to the innocent, those who have never seen them before~smile.... Little Lorelai was just amazed by them...her Mommy said she just laughed and laughed!! 

She was even on TV again tonight..."Facebook Fan Photo of the Day"! She is our little super star...smile...

Our Red Hat luncheon was a lot of fun (as always) yesterday! As we were walking in the door, the first snowflakes started to fall. As our day progressed, the snow got heavier and heavier! But, you could see the streets were dry! So we continued with our fun...I will share later what we did and how much fun it was! My friend Margaret gave me this beautiful doily, she had made to me. Isn't it absolutely beautiful??? I can't imagine the hours she must have put in to make this. I feel so blessed!!

As we were coming home, Tom spotted these turkey's walking up the street, so we had to drive over to get a closer look at them...smile.. They moved into someones yard, so it was fun to watch them scratch and dig..while trying to get at something to eat! smile....

When we got home, it was the perfect time, as it was feeding time for the birds! So I caught this shot of the Mama Cardinal in amongst the "real" snowy branches! No need to enhance this photo...smile...

Yesterday evening we had an MS Seminar to go to.. The speaker (an MS doctor, who has MS) is a phenomenal speaker. He is interesting, with new ideas as well as being humorous!  So, our evening was very enjoyable, when we returned home and saw our Christmas lights in amidst the snow on our bushes, I just thought they were too pretty not to get a photo of!!

I'm hoping we will be able to get our Christmas tree up this week, I really do love the lights, the music and everything about this time of the year...  We baked some cookies today, so we're getting in the mood...smile... I had bought a tub of cookie dough from a little girl at church, and they are amazing! As good or better than making them from scratch! Are you doing any baking?? I'd love to hear!

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Would you like to be cloned?

Yesterday morning began with a beautiful sunrise like this...who could not be excited about the upcoming day? And since the day before, we had a call from a friend asking us to join her and her aerobic group for lunch on Thursday! We were both so excited, as we love everyone in this group. We started with them a few years ago, then due to a sciatica problem, we had to quit...sad... But each year they invite us to their Christmas party! Big Smile... It just made us both so happy to be included.... Anyway, I forgot to ask if there was a gift exchange, so I called her and when she hung up she said..we'll see you FRIDAY.... Friday?? Friday?? No, I was sure she had said THURSDAY. But later, I found out it was Friday....and of course Friday is our Red Hat Christmas luncheon. Thus...I so wish I could be cloned, so I could attend both!

When I woke up this morning I saw raindrops on our awning...so it was a gray morning...kind of like the mood I was in (as I was still disappointed about missing out on that aerobic Christmas party.) But I knew there was a reason, God knows so much more than we do and we must trust in him and always look at the brighter side. 

I finally saw a cardinal outside in our tree! I hadn't seen one in a long time. So, to make it a pretty picture (since we don't really have snow yet...smile...) I was able to enhance it with fake snow! smile... One day soon..this will be real!

This morning when Tom brought the mail in, I got my package from Linda at the Prairie Flower Farm...with the soaps I won! I wish...you were able to smell these soaps...they are amazing!!! And just the boost I needed! Isn't God just the best??? 

Well, tomorrow is our Red Hat luncheon, I can't wait for that...it should be fun as always.... I hope your week is going well...

A Visitor...

This morning little Lorelai came to visit...smile... (I played with PicMonkey to make this picture..smile..) 

She was so funny...we have a bowl on the coffee table that holds all our keys, and the next thing we knew she had them all...and away she went...smile... Another funny...her Mommy was on the phone and was over by the door...so Lorelai..grabbed the diaper bag and was thinking of trying to pull it towards her Mommy... "Like...you're not leaving out that door without me...lol..."

Yesterday was our Red Hat Luncheon day...this was the look of the skies as we headed to the restaurant.

We were greeted by these flowers, aren't they beautiful? My luncheon consisted of Lobster Quiche and a Chicken Salad Sandwich...yummmm...It was all very delicious...

Our Granddaughter Ashley, too this picture yesterday on top of Green Mountain, in Alabama...isn't it pretty?? Don't you just love Fall??? I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Busy Day...

The other morning, I came walking into the kitchen, I spotted this beautiful sunrise out the window...(it was quite chilly that day) so Tom stepped out and shot this photo!! At about the same moment, my son Randy texted me to say..'check out that sunrise'!!! smile... great minds!!!

Tuesday when we went to therapy, I spotted this and thought it was so pretty...the landscape just goes on and on...smile...

The other evening, our bird bath was empty 'again'...the robins were going through the water like crazy!!! But I thought this little robin was looking at me like..."I want some more water"!!! smile... The next morning Tom filled the bath but, all I've seen are some 'snow birds' since then, so I assume the robins have headed south for the winter....sad... I will miss them.... (maybe he was telling me goodbye for this year....)

Yesterday, we made this Quiche  It was amazing...just like it was when we had it down to my sister in laws. Before we made it, I called her to tell her we were going to make it, BUT I had a question...the recipe calls for a 'baked' pie shell...now whenever I baked a pie shell, I'd prick it with a fork so it wouldn't bubble. But I thought if I did that I'd have holes in the bottom of my shell and I couldn't imagine pouring a liquid (Quiche mixture) in it...but she said it would be okay and of course it was! 

Hope you had a nice Halloween and saw a few little goblins...smile... or maybe some 'big' ones...lol This is our granddaughter Ashley....she did this makeup herself!! scary.... 

Tomorrow's Red Hat day...speaking of...I worked this morning setting up a blog for our Red Hat group...I  hope the ladies enjoy it!

I end this with thoughts and prayers for all those on the east coast who are suffering now from this disaster... May the victims find comfort in Jesus' words in John 16:33, "..in Me you may have peace; in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We pray this in Jesus' name, amen.

God is so good....

The last few days have really done me in...smile... After our drive to see the therapist, taking my shot and another busy day yesterday I just have not had the time or energy to do my blog, which I am so sorry about. 

We spotted this pumpkin farm Monday..wish I had zoomed on on it more. You know how it is when you are driving down the road and spot something that catches your eye? No time to zoom...ha.. just snap and hope for the best...smile... Have you gone to a pumpkin farm this fall? I always thought they'd be fun for the kids.. 

"Sovereign Lord, you made the earth & the sky by your great power & might; nothing is too difficult for you." Jeremiah 32:17

As I said... God is so good... yesterday morning as we were going down to stretch and do my 'new' exercises...the phone rang and it was the company for my Tens unit that I use to help me with my sciatica nerve issue. The unit broke and I had called to see what, if anything they could do about it. They said, I had a 'life time' warranty on it and they would send out another one right away! All I had to do was send the broken one back in the envelope they provide!!!! (AMAZING!!..)  Then I just started to exercise and the phone rang again...and with a heavy sigh...(smile) Tom answered it and it was the doctors office, letting him know the drug company approved him for assistance on helping with his heart medicine, due to the fact he is now in the "do nut hole"... (THIS WAS A BIGGY...& WHO IS BIGGER THAN GOD???? (no one...smile))

I know in my heart, that He moved in our lives yesterday..big time!!!!

Another testimony...Friday when I was at Red Hat, I called Tom to let him know our luncheon was just about over and he could come pick me up. Well, it wound down, everyone had left, the church people were cleaning off the tables...and no Tom... As I was talking to our Queen, I thought I'd better turn the ringer up on my cell phone, (I usually have it on vibrate), within a few 'seconds' it rings and it was Tom, he had missed his turn so was running late.. Now to me that was NOT a coincidence or luck, it was a GOD thing. Isn't it funny (ironic) all the things that happen each day, that we take for granted but it's really GOD working in our lives for our own good....

Tonight I will blog about our day and annual meal last night. It was amazing!!!

We're off today, to the doctor, for our flu shots (sad)...I don't like the effects of them, but they are a necessary evil I guess...smile... How about you have you gotten yours this year??

Better get busy around here...hope you all have a blessed day!!!

Birds on Ice

Yesterday, was a 'scary' Red Hat Friday!! smile... Here I am getting ready to head out!! It was a salad luncheon at one of the local churches! Oh my, you couldn't believe all the wonderful, delicious salads they made for us, along with a pumpkin mouse for dessert. Yum..yum!!  Of course the best part was the time we shared visiting with our dear friends!!

 

When I was getting ready, I was looking for some Halloween jewelry and came across these old pictures of my kids back in 1971 getting ready for Halloween! smile... I think my Randy was dressed as Ozzy Osborne.. what do you think??lol I called him and asked him if Osborne was around in 1971? and he said..'ya, why?'...smile... I said I think that is who you dressed up as back then...ha..ha..

And of course..my sweet Brenda was dressed as a 'princess'...isn't she cute??? She was 6 and Randy was 9!!

After such an exciting day, I was so tired last night I didn't get a post put up. sad....  After, our luncheon we went to Walmart to get a few things. When we were leaving, Tom was putting the bags and my scooter in the van, a lady stopped to ask him about the scooter, how it came apart, how heavy it was etc. After a long conversation, Tom finally ask her what her problem was, she said MS. (She was young, middle 30 I think and had an 8 year old daughter with her.) She was beautiful and had a great spirit, I gave her my card and told her if she ever just needed to talk to give me a call..smile...

This morning we woke up to quite frigid weather, I was so glad we had gotten our fireplace going yesterday! It certainly took the chill off inside the house...however, it did nothing for the poor birds out doors. As you can see there was ice in their birdbath!! All I could think of was the Ice Capades...like Disney on Ice...so to me they were "Birds on Ice"...smile...

This afternoon we are heading to a fish fry with our friends... Hope you're having a blessed day!

Red Hat's and More....

Yesterday was our Red Hat Luncheon and I was so tired last night I couldn't post a blog...smile... Just had too much fun... You know how that is.. I received these gifts from my Secret Sister! Isn't this exciting? I love these  Love Inspired books, and of course there was a book marker and pen in the bag!! She is the sweetest!!! I can't wait to find out who she is at the end of the year!!

We had an amazing time, along with a really good lunch. I had a turkey sandwich with cranberry bread. It was the best I've ever had.!! There is just something about turkey and cranberries...smile... I won this print of   the Floyd Monument "Then and now"... The front shows Lewis and Clark and others on the expedition burying Sgt. Floyd, who died here near Sioux City.  Behind them is the Floyd Monument as it looks today. Cool huh??

Today was so lovely...I sat outside for awhile and just couldn't believe how wonderful that fresh air felt! Oh, how I wish I could have bottled it...or been able to share it with you....God is so good!! Tom was able to work outside this morning, he edged the sidewalks..they look so nice! What did you do today? Hopefully your weather was as comfortable as ours was!

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more as it happens here in the city........

Cooler day...for awhile...

Our day started with cooler temps, which were so nice. Tom worked outside, before it heated up again. It turned out to be 90 degrees.. 

We had a nice salad for lunch, and later this afternoon, Tom says, let's go and get a Tastee (loosemeat sandwich)...I'd never say no to that!.ha..ha And once we got there, we saw this sign, so with our Tastee we also got some onion chips...smile... Tomorrow is Red Hat day...I've missed the last couple months due to the weather....so it will really be fun to see everyone again! And it's our11th birthday!! Hard to believe we've been at this for 11 years...

So what have you been up to today?? We're seeing lightening north of us again tonight...just pray we'll get some rain from this storm.

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more as it happens here in the city............

Baking and more....

We made this banana bread yesterday...just a few staples and viola..you have banana bread!! I found this easy recipe on Pinterest . 

What You'll Need:

Yellow Cake Mix

2 Eggs

3-4 Overripe Bananas

1/2-1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

Smash bananas in a large bowl (I just mixed them in my KitchenAid), then add remaining ingredients and mix well. Batter will fill 2 small loaf pans (GREAT for gifts!!) or one large loaf pan. Make sure to spray pans well with nonstick cooking spray and a little bit of flour.

Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes (bake longer if using larger loaf pan)

We woke up bright and early again this morning. I do love the quiet time and watch the sunrise each day.

I wrote this, this morning...

I look out my window

As morning skies begin

With their pink hues

Streaking across the blue!

Only God could create such beauty

My camera just cannot capture this

Why? I wonder...

Oh yes, only God can do that for us! amen

Last night we went to an MS Seminar, it was very interesting and found out our doctors office will have an official Multiple Sclerosis fellow! (This means we'll have a neurologist who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis!) This is huge! I'm excited and sounds like I will get to see her after she comes on board after the first of the year! smile...

Look what I caught (on camera)  today....smile... our neighborhood squirrel playing in our flower pot!

And look what he was up to!  I saw he had 'muddy' feet...see how black they are?? Then I saw some of our marigolds laying on the patio! Yup, after Tom had watered the flowers this morning "Mr. Squirrel" jumped up there and dug...dug...dug! Not sure if he was digging something up or burying something...smile..and in doing this he got his little feet muddy...smile...

Well, this is one of the only plants that is surviving this 'hot' summer. Tom has moved it to the shade and that has really helped. (I had it out on the front porch in the afternoon sun.. ) I believe there are little red peppers in this pot! (You can see a closer picture of them above.) Speaking of heat...we had another bad day today...it was 98...so again I chose to stay home and miss our Red Hat Luncheon...sad... BUT the temps are to cool down tomorrow and SONday...yeah! So I'm sure that means we will be able to do something outside of the house...smile...

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

May 13, 1940: Real hot. Washed. Washed curtains. Planted corn and peas. Came a little rain and wind tonight. Jack didn't come home.

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more as it happens here in the city...........