I haven’t had much creative inspiration here as of late. I’m so thankful for all the blessings and God’s hand in our lives — but I’m just staying in as much as I can, out of the wind and cold. Nate is home and still doing well, although still moving slow and resting a lot. Thanks for continued thoughts and prayers.

This morning’s message was about turning things over to God, and not trying to do everything on our own. He tells us to designate, prioritize, and let things in God’s hands. Great advise and very scriptural. I’m happy to do that when I can figure it out! If you have too much in your bucket, give it to Jesus.

Todd – and the bucket.

The sky has been dramatic all day. It’s very windy and cold. Again I considered raking leaves, but that doesn’t work with so much wind. One day at a time.

I fell down a ‘rabbit hole’, looking at old pictures of my grandkids. Wow. These tiny little guys and girls sure did grow up! I need to get a new printer and print out additional photos of them…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 17th is:

National Butter Day; National Homemade Bread Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Baklava Day; Odd Socks Day.

I love butter on homemade bread! It’s a bit chilly to take a hike. Most of my socks aren’t odd. God bless!

Today – as being Saturday – I changed and washed sheets. I promised Jen yesterday that I’d make her brownies as a welcome home treat. She carried the hardest task being at Allegheny General from Tuesday morning until today, sleeping on the couch in Nate’s room, taking care of him, working from there as best she could, seeing to everything long distance. She was a master care-giver and brownies was the least I could do – and I know it’s a favorite for her.

While the brownies were cooking – waiting to be iced – I popped over to Walmart to pick up a few (very few) items. I didn’t have any milk, and wanted to grab a few items for when Kelly and Chase come on Monday. So that’s done. I came home and iced the brownies then took them down to Jen.

MOO!

My cousin Bonnie sent me a book that was my mom’s when she was in school. Not exactly sure what year she colored it but the copyright on the book is 1935. It taught the kids how to draw and color certain items. I’m thankful that she sent it – she found it in a box of family items and shared it with Kathy and me.

See mom’s name faintly on the top left corner?

Mostly I’m lifting out of the fog, but some still remains. I feel very uninspired or motivated and am hoping that by tomorrow afternoon I’ll shake that off. I still need to research and replace my broken printer and haven’t done anything about that. Tomorrow??

Fog….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 16th is:

International Check your Wipers Day; National Button Day; National Fast Food Day; Have a Party with your Bear Day; National Clarinet Day; National Bible Week.

Buttons are fun. I may grab a fast food item tomorrow. I can party with my black bear. And we have all week to celebrate scripture! God bless….

I promised an update on Nate, so I will do that to close the day. My cousin Paul drove me in, and I was so grateful! I appreciated him so much! I stayed for about 40 minutes and gave Jen a break to leave the room and get some fresh air, grab some food, and make some calls. Nate looked good but it was obvious he was in much pain. No wonder after what he went through. It’s very hard for him to get comfortable in any position. Healing will take time, but then it will be just a memory. It was good to see him and lightly hug him and know that he’s on the mend. And Jen is a trooper – holding up well, but was having withdrawal from French fries, so we stopped at McDonalds and took her some. I had an insulated bag and they actually stayed pretty warm. Nate is hoping to get home tomorrow – which says a lot about his progress! Needless to say I feel very blessed and thankful!

My day was just at home, doing laundry, ironing, cleaning, organizing. I promised Jen brownies so I will do that tomorrow and take them over if they get home. I saw that it was to be very windy tomorrow – I dislike strong winds! So I’ll stay in most of the day if I can.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 15th is:

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day; National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day; National Bundt Day; National Clean out your Refrigerator Day; America Recycles Day; I Love to Write Day; National Camp T-Shirt Day; National Drummer day; Pack your Mom’s Lunch Day.

My fridge is basically empty right now! And I DO love to write! My nephew Isaac is an excellent drummer. I wager no one will pack my lunch tomorrow! Have a blessed day. God bless….

So, I’m trying to get myself settled back into every day life. I worked this morning into the afternoon, then stopped at the bank – twice! Also had to get a surge protector for the space heater – I worry about the amount of power it’s pulling and feel safer now.

I am still not sure if I’ll post tomorrow. We’ll see how the day goes. My cousin Paul is going to drive me into Pittsburgh for a short visit with Nate. He’s still not ready for a real visit, but just a drop in to see his ‘Mommy’ will be good for both of us now that he’s in a regular room. I really appreciate Paul driving as I don’t do Pittsburgh!

Autmn sent me pictures of her latest food projects. I already mentioned she spent a whole day last week making applesauce, and dropped some off for me. That was what I had for lunch. Then Noah wanted Apple Dumplings so she made those yesterday. He said they were perfect.

Applesauce for lunch

Dumplings

One of the horses was out in the pasture nibbling this afternoon. It was sunny but cool. I was hoping to rake some leaves but it was a bit windy for that. Maybe Saturday!

Kathy knows I love coasters so she bought me one for encouragement. The middle candle says PEACE – “My peace I give you.” John 14:27 One of my favorites.

That is all for today – I’m going to ease back into routine. I could use a day or two free of too much obligation. I’ll keep you updated on Nate as I can – thank you for caring.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Seat Belt Day; National Family PJ Day; National Pickle Day; Childrens Day; International Girls Day; Loosen Up Day; National American Teddy Bear Day; OR Nurse Day.

I always wear my seat belt. I’m not a fan of pickles. I am of Teddy bears, though. And I’m thankful for the OR nurses – and I’m sure Nate and Jen are too! God bless…

Well, we have a busy couple of weeks coming up. So I’m trying to stay caught up. Changed and washed the sheets – view from my bedroom window!

Bought a new pair of shoes this morning – sort of extra-tread tennis shoes. When I came home I made lunch then went outside to trim back the bushes in the yard. The neighbor’s heart tree was fully red!

But I trimmed the two butterfly bushes back, the Pinky-Windy (de-bloomed), and the Rose of Sharons by the fence back below the fence line.

Unplugged the chargers in the shed, cleaned the outside dryer lint filter and washed the windows on the car, then swept out the garage. Also managed to balance my checkbook to the penny! From there I went to Wyatt’s 4th birthday party. It was at Main Bowling – and it was loud and wild and crazy! But those kids had a total blast. It was a Monster Truck party.

Wyatt’s cake

Birthday boy – he’s 4!

Millie’s turn to bowl.

Glow in the dark table top.

Jen cooked a roast with all the trimmings, and Autmn, Noah, and Cameron and I went over. It was so good. It’s been a while since I’ve had a roast that tender. She had mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, salad, and veggies. Wow – it was yummy! And it tastes all the better since I didn’t have to cook it!

Puppers setting up the high chair for Cameron

Gigi with Cameron

Jen laying the law down – and they LISTEN!

I will not be posting until at least Thursday – maybe Friday – depending on the schedule. I will NOT be at the hospital on Tuesday but will get updates from Jen as they come in. I will share what I learn asap. Prayers and support are of course appreciated!

The Moon on the way home!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 9th is:

National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day; National Scrapple Day; British Pudding Day; Chaos Never Dies Day; Go to an Art Museum Day; International Tongue Twister Day; World Freedom Day; Dear Santa Letter Week.

So get those letters written to Santa! I may have a chicken sandwich for lunch. Stoney used to love scrapple but I wasn’t a fan of cooking it. Have a great week! God bless.

I kept busy all day – doing laundry, ironing, organizing, writing lists. At 10am I had a meeting with my insurance broker to go over the changes to the Medicare plans for 2026. It’s wonderful to have someone to explain all the changes and the benefits and what was cut. I think we have a good plan for next year. He’s very good at his job, and I really have a great respect for people like that. So – thanks to Seon!!!

I forgot to get ice yesterday so made a quick stop for that on the way home. Then at 4pm Deb picked me up and we went to see THE CHRISTMAS RING at the theater. I really liked it – Faith-based movie and nice story line. And I really liked the lead actor – I had seen him in other movies. And Dan & Shay (Country singers) closed out the credits with one of their Christmas songs.

When I got home I heated the rest of the Stuffed Pepper Soup and had that for supper. Not a lot left on my list for tonight but tomorrow will be busy. Have a lovely weekend – and watch out for the weather. I hear there are flurries on the way next week!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 8th is:

National Parents as Teachers Day; National STEM/STEAM Day; National Cappuccino Day; National Dunce Day; Talk Money Day; World Town Planning Day.

My daughter home schools, as does my cousin’s wife. That wouldn’t be something I would tackle so God Bless them — and everyone!

JOKE: What happened to the turkey when he got in a fight? He had the stuffing knocked out of him….

Our computers were so slow at work today that it took me two hours to not do any deals! I had a few things to print out and it took almost half an hour to print a driver’s license. But I did get everything done, including a chat with Sir Rege, listening to a chat from Ken, and a little info-sharing with Barry. They really are a big support system! And here are photos of this morning’s Beaver Super Moon! Apx 8am.

Early moon

I stopped (again!!!) and picked up 6 items from Walmart that I needed. Their Halloween slippers were on clearance, and there was a pair of Snoopy ones. Usually they are $9-12 and these were $2! I was very excited. I wear these kind of slippers every day between October and late spring. I threw a bunch of worn out ones away in the spring so I am glad to be able to replace them when I can.

Aren’t they super cute???

Autmn is making applesauce from fresh picked apples that were given to her. She’s using Grama Dot’s recipe and said Cameron is the taste tester. He loves it! I’m excited to taste it this weekend.

Autmn’s Apple Sauce

I had a chiropractor appointment, and I popped into Burger King and got a frozen Coke. Now I am organizing my day for tomorrow (and Saturday!) and I have Biltmore Christmas on in the background. I could probably recite it with the actors!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Amen, and amen!!!

TOMORROW November 7th is:

National Fountain Pen Day; National Retinol Day; National Jersey Friday; National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day; Hug a Bear Day; Love your Lawyer Day; National Cancer Awareness Day; Notary Public Day.

The only bear I would hug is a stuffed one! Not sure that I’ve ever loved a lawyer — I appreciated them but let’s draw the line… National Cancer Awareness Day, and I AM aware! Notary Public Day: Guess I missed that window. God bless…

To start with, don’t be concerned if there are intermittent posts over the next several weeks. There is a lot going on and I may not post every day. If there is something to post, I will make sure I do it.

Very few empty blocks!

Today was a combination of cleaning, laundry, and making lists. Lots to remember. I have at least two obligations every day for the next week.

Not sure if I mentioned this, but Nathan’s surgery is on Tuesday November 11th at Allegheny General. No other info (time, etc) yet.

As I cleaned downstairs I put Hallmark on, and watched Newport Christmas, Window Wonderland, and Haul out the Holly. Biltmore Christmas is on at 8pm and that’s on my list! But nothing else more exciting than that!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 6th is:

National cash Back Day; National Nachos Day; National Men Make Dinner Day; National Saxophone Day; Dog Film Festival.

I’ll take the cash. I had nachos Monday and Tuesday. And I don’t have a dog. God bless!

This morning early Kathy, Mae and I went to Pittsburgh to visit the Bayernhof museum. We were there back in June, and it is such a unique place that going back was fun. Mae loved it! The view in itself is amazing, and you feel like you could just get a cup of tea and just sit and look out the windows for hours. The rooms are all unique, and the guide was quite a story teller and was very entertaining. We learned things on this trip that we didn’t hear in June.

View of the river.

I love this skylight – reverse painting!

I love this pool – note the mural to the left of the deer. That’s Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music! Charlie loved that movie!!

We stopped in Irwin and ate lunch at Arby’s – somewhere I seldom eat. So that was fun. We sat for an hour and just chatted. It was something that I needed, to take my mind on of everything and focus on Hallmark movies, old memories, and roast beef!

Once we got home and they dropped me off, I zipped over to Walmart and picked up my photos. When I was walking to the checkout, I accidently (?) walked past the holiday candy displays. I picked up a bag of Mint M&M’s – but I noticed that the milk chocolate ‘Holiday Mix’ were blue and white! Wonder if they will have red and green for Christmas!!

I hope to iron a few of the linen tablecloths then get supper a little later. 5:45pm and it’s pitch black! Takes some adjustment.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow November 5th is:

National Stress Awareness Day; National Love your Red Hair Day; National Donut Day; American Football Day; Bonfire Night; Gunpowder Day; National Advent Calendar Day.

Oh, trust me – I’m aware! I love my red-haired cousin! (Hi, Beth!) I may have a donut for breakfast as I have one in the freezer. My advent calendar is packed away until December. No gunpowder (or football!) here! God bless…

AND — a little extra info!!!

Happy birthday to my first-born grandson – Peyton Matthew! He’s grown up so quickly – has a job and a steady girlfriend (Hi, Izzy!!) and heading on a good path. Love you Peyton!!! Happy 20!

So here are two of the things I see out my window in the mornings when I get up. The colorful fall flag, and also the ground cover at the bottom of the driveway has turned red this year. I don’t remember that from other years – normally it stays green. But that is my mornings!

Fall flag

Ground cover

Pumpkins on the porch – left over from the tea.

Here we go with the pictures from the tea. Friday a BUNCH of ladies came out to set up and lay place settings for the tables, organize the serving dishes, and decorate. It took us all morning and maintenance hadn’t been as organized as we normally like. Be we got it! Becky’s decorating team did a great job. Everything looked wonderful.

Basic table setup.

Following are decorations:

Highboy

Dining room mantle

Tea table

Tea table

Curio

The little purple Amish outfit belongs to me.

Front foyer

Foyer

Phonograph

Parlor mantle – it’s 5 O’clock somewhere!

Parlor library table

Parlor – dresser. Doll on chair belongs to me.

Parlor – corner table.

Front entranced to parlor

Becky and Kelly filling vases with fresh flowers.

Parlor fireplace.

Saturday the scullery (kitchen help) were there in plenty of time to prep the food, plate it, and have the servers carry the plates to the tables. Roxane and her crew prepared and steeped the tea and served it. Our tea always gets good reviews! We had scones, sugar frosted grapes, and ‘acorns’ on the top tier, three different sandwiches in the middle, and sweets on the bottom. My favorite sweet was the chocolate frosted pumpkin cake, and we had snickerdoodle biscotti and mini apple tarts as well. All delicious!

Dining room and tea table.

Prepping sandwiches

Plated

We were there until a little after 4pm so it was a long day of being on our feet. Most of us didn’t set down at all. But we did get to eat the leftovers!

Scullery – with a few missing. Ladies in white and black were servers.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 4th is:

National Candy Day; National Chicken Lady Day; National Easy Bake Oven Day; Election Day; Roast Dinner Day; Use your Common Sense Day.

ANY day is candy day, really. I will vote – for sure. I try to always use common sense – that’s just common sense….. God bless.