I am done cleaning up the food and the house and the toys and have organized most of the fall decorations. I will sort them and tuck them away in bins tomorrow. I don’t have the energy tonight to do that!

No more energy!

Everyone left by 3:30pm as they all had other family to visit. I was very thankful that 1) Nate was feeling good and could eat and enjoy himself here at dinner. 2) that Kelly and Sherree pitched in beyond measure and did dished and cleaned up the kitchen. 3) that Matt installed my new printer and set up my ink subscription. 4) the boys got all the holiday bins down off my shelves in the garage so I can start all that tomorrow. That was a lot to be thankful for!

New printer!

Cameron, of course, was his funny crazy little self! Kelly and Logan brought Ransom (Logan’s dog) and he was so well behaved! I think we all enjoyed him – and Jen said she felt so much more comfortable in a house with a dog in it! She even trimmed the fur around Ransom’s eyes so he could see better. Now we need to do that for Cameron.

He’s a ham when it comes to getting his picture taken!

Ransom can’t see either!

Cameron’s new favorite video/song is ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’. He kept looking out my door and saying there was a bear out there! He can sing the whole song, but when he gets to the end he covers his eyes because he’s scared – but wants to watch it again.

Watching his scary video with Aunt Kelly.

I got up at 5am and stuffed the turkey, and kept a steady pace all day, getting everything ready. All the food was delicious – we went through 24 deviled eggs, homemade bread, noodles in turkey broth, the stuffing, the turkey and gravy (the best we’ve had in years! Butterball!!), Aunt Joan’s corn, mac/cheese, mashed potatoes, apple pie with ice cream, cinnamon rolls, and candy cane cookies shaped like fall wreaths. And Jen brought chips and dip (a staple at the holidays!). So the day was a success. I am blessed beyond words, and Thankful for each and every one who reads this, all my friends who lift me up, and my family who loves me even when I lose my way! Love you all and Happy Thanksgiving.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 28th is:

National French Toast Day; You’re Welcomegiving Day; Maize Day; Buy Nothing Day; Black Friday (How can it be both??); National Day of Listening; National Native American Heritage Day; Flossing Day; Fur-Free Friday; Red Planet Day.

I won’t go near a store tomorrow. And THAT is THAT! God bless…

With Paul being in the hospital still, and Hannah having to head home to Knoxville mid-morning, Kathy needed someone to stay with her for part of the day. So I spent a little time last night at home cleaning and prepping, and went over about 9:30am this morning. It was a fun spending a little time with Hannah before she headed out – it’s about an 8 1/2 hour drive and she was by herself. She’d have to finish the drive in the dark.

Knoxville TN

I felt blessed to spend the day with my sister – she was feeling surprisingly perky and looked pretty good for 24 hours after a surgery. I took my eggs (already boiled) and my potatoes over, and was able to make the deviled eggs and then peel and cut the potatoes and soak them in cold water. There was plenty of food and we heated some up for lunch. So I still got things done, she could rest (mostly!), and we still spent some time together.

Kath with her ‘buddy’ at Biltmore! – more on this later.

Then Paul got the OK for discharge, so I went over and picked him up. So now the two of them are charged with taking care of each other and restricting unauthorized activities! Sarah is cooking tomorrow so it can be a quiet day for them.

Kathy and Paul last year at Grand Canyon.

I came home and soaked the turkey in cold water, simmered the onions and celery in butter for the stuffing, and cleared away several items downstairs that Cameron can get into tomorrow. That should help make it safer. I did a load of laundry and plan to grab something light for supper when this is done.

Soaking the Turkey

Have a blessed Thanksgiving day and weekend – Give thanks for the bounty that we enjoy every day!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 27th is:

National Craft Jerky Day; National Bavarian Cream Pie Day; Turkey Free Thanksgiving; National Day of Mourning (re: Native Americans); Thanksgiving Day; Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; National Dog Show Broadcast; Pins and Needles day; Turtle Adoption Day.

We are all having our family Thanksgiving here tomorrow. Not sure I’ll have the chance to watch any of the parade. Don’t tell Jen about Turtle adoptions – she’ll add on to the rescue and expand Ninth Life! God bless…

I took my time getting up and moving this morning. Spent some time reading and praying for Kathy’s surgery. It was to be at 12:30 but got pushed back a bit. Sarah messaged me that Hannah told her (Hannah is with her) Kathy was being released about 5pm. Tired and sore but doing well. It takes a while to clear the fog after that. Continue to pray for her recovery. As far as I can tell I sent a message to everyone who asked for updates.

I’m listening to Godwink Christmas in the background. I’m taking this evening to just answer txts and emails and post the Word Garden. Tomorrow I will have to balance cleaning and food prep and possibly offer a helping hand with Kathy.

When I looked out my window on Sunday evening this is what I saw! My neighbor went all out – lights on his fence and a GIANT reindeer in their yard! It’s very festive.

Today I did what food prep I could do this early, and had my chiropractor appointment. I popped into work to try and save a Word document from PENNDOT to my computer desktop but we couldn’t get it to work. So Ken is going to try again tomorrow – he got the same email!

Tearing stuffing bread…

Kelly called and is coming up on Sunday to Wednesday to help me with some Christmas projects. That will be a HUGE help! I’m so thankful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 26th is:

National Jukebox Day; National Cake Day; Good Grief Day.

Good Grief is an oxymoron! I’m not a fan of cake…. God bless!

It’s Monday! Just a few more days until we dig into that turkey! He is currently defrosting in the fridge.

Just finished the biggest chores of the day – went to work, did laundry and ironing. Finally made my Cream of Potato soup.

Last night my front deck lights blew out – so I had to research the problem and ultimately put up a new set. It wasn’t the plug or the timer or the extension – it was the actual light string. So that’s done.

Gen sent me pictures of the alter in their church. She had the privilege of creating the festive fall/Thanksgiving décor for their Thanksgiving service. She always does an amazing job with her flowers and nature. It’s beautiful!

Left side

Full view

Autmn sent me a txt of the stuffed animals that Cameron has. Think he has enough? Everyone loves to buy him ‘cuddlies’!! (including me!)

My favorite is the cow! Do you see it?

I think I mentioned that when Kelly was here last week we were making cupcakes for a 4-H awards banquet. She sent photos of that!

Logan being M.C.

Club Community Service Excellence.

All Star Awards – Matt on the left, then Logan.

Blue Ribbon club

Civic Engagement Pillar Award (One of top 4 awards) With Lewis

Logan plays in a hockey league – below is the face off!

Logan in the face-off – in the green jersey.

My neighbor from Mohawk Drive called me last night. I haven’t heard from her in years – she moved and I moved and we just lost touch. We got caught up a bit and have plans for lunch in January.

This is the Mohawk house today – Bernie lived to the left.

I am having supper with another former neighbor from Mohawk – Ginny. We do manage to get together a few times a year so I’m looking forward to that tonight.

Ginny from our last visit.

Tomorrow at 10:45am is my sister’s surgery. Please keep Kathy and the family in your prayers as she faces this. She’s very positive in spirit and will be relieved to have this behind and moving forward to healing. It’s outpatient so she’ll be home by dinner time!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 25th is:

National Play with Dad Day; National Parfait Day; Shopping Reminder Day; Blasé Day.

I used to love when Dad played with us or took us places. I ALWAYS remember to shop! God bless…

** This just in! Nate sent me a txt and said he has his first follow-up appointment from his surgery.
“Checkup went great! I’m doing all the things right. Headed in the right direction.” So that’s great news!

I did sleep better last night – Ibuprofen and a heated rice bag. Glad to feel a little refreshed this morning. Todd’s message was the concept that salvation isn’t valuable if you don’t recognize that you need to be forgiven, and need God in your life. See quote below.

And our Sunday School lesson was ‘The Case for Christmas’ by Lee Strobel. Interesting facts and explanations. It’s a 4 or 5 part series. Holiday vs Holy Day. Todd and Heather and a crew decorated for Christmas, as they are going home next week for Thanksgiving with their family. It looks very festive and tasteful! Thanks to the crew – whoever they are!

Right outside the door.

JOY – to the World!

Photo Op

BY the sanctuary

Sitting area

Info and sign up

Lanterns on the tables

Coffee area

I dropped off a loaf of bread at my sister’s, then when I got home I had toast for lunch. I decided I would take advantage of the nice day and mow one last time. It solved the rest of the leaf problem as well!

Front yard

Bottom yard

It entered my mind that Nathan and Jen got engaged right before his surgery, and it really didn’t get the recognition and celebration it deserved. So at least here is a picture of her custom-designed ring – it certainly is perfect for her. She’s a purple girl! Congrats you guys! Love you both!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Maybe take time out of each day this week to be thankful for the blessings in your life. We have so much!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 24th is:

National Sardines Day; Celebrate your Unique Talent Day; National Book Week.

I celebrate book week/day every day! No sardines for me! Not sure that I have a unique talent. If I find it I will celebrate it! God bless..

My neck is still aching – that’s not really unusual but the intensity is a little more. I need a nap, but since it’s almost bedtime I guess I’ll wait! I’m listening to Window Wonderland (My favorite Hallmark movie!) while I type this.

I had to get groceries today, and picked up a very inexpensive rug to go with Cameron’s toy bench. I think it fits just nice.

The rug (trees) match the bench.

And since my kitchen sink floor mat sort of died, I replaced it too.

He was practicing his spells the other night when he was here. I’m glad he didn’t turn us all into frogs or something!

Cameron’s magic wand.

My printer came – so now I have to get it installed, try to understand the extended warranty, and figure out the ink subscription!

I had a lot to catch up on today so I’m glad I got almost everything done. One of my chores today was to make bread. It’s rising now – can probably bake it in an hour. Then I’m finished.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 23rd is:

National Espresso Day; National eat a Cranberry Day; National Cashew Day; Thankful for my Dog Day.

I don’t have a dog – but I was thankful for Tazz when I had him! And I like cashews – they are sort of a soft nut. God bless!

It’s 9:30pm and I’m done for the day. So just a quick note to recap and I’m outta here! I worked this morning and had a chance to catch up with Rege – he was in Florida helping his in-laws move. Then I stopped and got Cameron’s Christmas gift – finally found an idea that I liked!

Came home and cleaned the whole house and did several loads of laundry. Autmn came over to bake her rolls and borrow the roaster for the ham, and a few snack trays so everyone could eat together. She brought the roaster back just now with a piece of ham and a roll so I had a ham sandwich for supper. She did a great job on her dinner – she cooked, but at Noah’s parents house, which is a few blocks from here. Cameron was excited and appears to be a big fan!

Good food

Lots of work!

Everything looks yummy!

Jesse sent me a picture of the car he’s restoring. I helped with the title work and he got the title today. I’m in line to have a ride when it’s finally done!

A long way to go….

And that’s it for today. We’ll see what tomorrow brings!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 22nd is:

National Adoption Day; National Cranberry Relish Day; Family Volunteer Day; Go for a Ride Day; Housing Day; Love your Freckles Day.

I volunteer sometimes – I don’t GO for a ride as much as I drive. I love my HOUSE! God bless…

Today – was wild. I was backup for Autmn – she was helping with her friend Alex’s baby shower. She picked up her sisters Josie and Penny who helped as well. Josie spent most of the time with Cameron and he loved that. She had him singing ‘The Aunts go Marching’ and ‘stomping’ all over the house, singing. He’s shout ‘Stomp, Mimi! Stomp!’ Which I did. He loved it.

In the meantime, while Josie and Cameron were singing, marching, watching TV, joining in with YouTube singing-a-longs, and eating applesauce and Cheerios, Autmn and I were in the kitchen making 2 colors of Chocolate Covered Pretzels and – YOU GUESSED IT! – cupcakes! This time we only made 6 dozen (Lemon, Chocolate, and White). There was a lot to do, and it was chaotic, but at least until they left my place with a car full of kids and food and hopefully a very successful shower. I’m anxious to talk to her and hear all about it.

I had my chiropractor appointment, dropped a card off to Nate and Jen (from Aunt Cordelia!), and came home to put the house back together and do ironing. So that was my day. It started very early with Cameron propelling out of bed with both feet running – and there we went. I wish I had been able to get some pictures. Love that little guy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 21st is:

Substitute Educators Day; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Red Mitton Day; National Stuffing Day; Children in Need; False Confession Day; World Hello Day.

It’s friendly to say Hello! I like ginger cookies, and stuffing. Have a great day – God bless…

Kelly and I had a fun, busy time while they were here. Chase was happy as he got to have Chick-Fil-A twice! But Kelly and I went shopping on Tuesday and got several things accomplished. We DIDN’T find more than we DID find, but we enjoyed the day together. I found my pine scented bar soap and even found a Snoopy bath robe. I gave my robe away as it didn’t fit right and was very uncomfortable. I was astonished that I found a totally soft, comfortable, nice-fitting SNOOPY robe! It’s so cozy and warm!

Snoopy robe

Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron – They were trying to decide what to have for supper! Looks like some kind of stew 🙂

Cameron stew!

And Kelly sent me a photo of Logan’s dog Ransom in his Christmas outfit that I bought him. He’s so crazy cute!

Ransom ready for the holidays

Not sure if you can tell but Snoopy and Woodstock is on the back!

One of the things we did this week was make cookies for Thanksgiving – Iced cinnamon rolls and an adaption of the candy cane cookie recipe. Cookies are shaped like wreaths and they are orange instead of red. But they will be a favorite!

Cinnamon rolls

Wreath cookies

We also make 141 cupcakes for a 4-H banquet that’s tomorrow in WV. There were 4 different kinds. The whole kitchen smelled yummy!

Ingredients

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 20th is:

National Rural Health Day; National Absurdity Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; Great American Smokeout; National Child’s Day; International Hug a Runner Day; Name your PC Day; Use Less Stuff Day; National Pay Back your Parents Day.

My PC does NOT have a name. I’m trying to cut back on stuff but not entirely successful! God bless…

Since Kelly and Chase are here, and we have had a full, long day, I’m going to forgo posting until at least Thursday, maybe Friday. So don’t panic, all is well. We stopped down to take mac/cheese to Jen and Nate – and he’s still aching and the major issue is deep breaths. But that will improve. I will keep updating! God bless….